The twelve days of yule as it is commonly shared online is a more modern version of some older traditions, and it is so much fun to follow! Each day has a theme or focus to guide the celebrations, and it is a good way to pace yourself during the holiday season. This process honors family, spirits, and the return of the sun. The following is the modern tradition with a few adjustments I made for my personal celebrations that I wanted to share with you.
Day One: Mothers Night Dec 20th
This is when we honor the female ancestors, spirits, and guides. Offerings of food, music, and stories well into the night of/before the solstice calls in their loving and protective energy as we go through the long nights.
Day Two: Call the Sun Back Dec 21st
Honor the sun, sun imagery, and the light. Light candles, embrace warmth, and say hello to the sun! This is when we celebrate the slow return of the sun to our lives.
Day Three: Honor the Family (Alternative- The House) Dec 22nd
Whether it is family of choice or family you are related to, spend a little time with loved ones. This is more casual and personal than the family time on the 5th and 6th day. Genuine moments of connection are emphasized here.
For my personal celebrations this is where I differ a bit. I like to take this day to celebrate the spirit of the home, the Nisse, with offerings and music.
Day Four: Wild Hunt Dec 23rd
While the Wild Hunt is not necessarily just on this day, it is a good time to leave offerings out to the dead and the land spirits. Leave the offering outside, and then stay inside and cozy for the rest of the evening.
Day Five: Community Dec 24th
A time of connecting with any loved ones and exchanging gifts or kind words, foster a sense of community and love. This works very well for families that have Christmas Eve plans together.
Day Six: Renewal Dec 25th
Cleanse, bless, bring in good energy, extension of gift giving and family time.
Day Seven: Wisdom Dec 26th
Reflect on lessons you’ve learned this year, do divination, think about the year ahead and the year you are completing. A good time to journal or set intentions. If you work with astrology or numerology, this is a good day to devote your time to some study for what those systems say about the next year.
Day Eight: Abundance Dec 27th
A time to invite prosperity and abundance for the next year. Start a money bowl, do a cinnamon blessing, make charms that attract abundance, whatever feels right for you! If you like celebrating with some practical goals, set some financial intentions for the year and outline your plan for reaching them.
Day Nine: Strength Dec 28th
Invite in energies of power, resilience, and overcoming challenges. Reflect on challenges up ahead and ones you have survived, meditate on your strengths.
Day Ten: Protection Dec 29th
Make protective charms and wards, have fun making some protective amulets or jewelry.
Day Eleven: Celebrate Dec 30th
Some start the celebrations so that this day falls on New Years Eve, but if you are following this time outline it is still a good day to plan your resolutions so they are ready and prepared for the next day. Prepare for a celebration, decorate a little, and invite joy into your home. A good time for games or fun movies.
Day Twelve: Reflection Dec 31st
Finish your resolutions. Create a Yule log and tuck your resolutions into the bark before burning, or light a Yule candle instead. Say goodbye to the past and focus on releasing and reflecting. Celebrate and let go!
After: Spend the 1st day of the year how you would like the next year to be represented and embody the energy you are hoping to attract. If things come up that make this impossible, do not stress! This is meant to help you celebrate and get into the headspace of the season, it is not meant to be a source of anxiety. And don’t forget, you can change this to make your own traditions!
