Summary

The undefined website content discusses the winter solstice, its significance, and the various traditions observed during this period, including the 12 days of Christmas and the 12 days of Yule, emphasizing the importance of embracing both old and new traditions.

Abstract

The winter solstice, the longest night and shortest day in the Northern Hemisphere, is a significant astronomical event that occurs annually on December 21st. This natural phenomenon, caused by the Earth's tilted axis, leads to shorter days in the Northern Hemisphere and longer days in the Southern Hemisphere. The solstice is not only a time for astronomical observation but also a period rich in cultural and religious celebrations. Some people mark the 12 days of Christmas, starting with Christmas Day and culminating in the Epiphany, while others observe the 12 days of Yule, beginning on the winter solstice and extending into the new year. These celebrations often include similar traditions, such as decorating with mistletoe and Christmas trees, and the burning of the Yule log. The article highlights the author's personal experiences with diverse traditions, influenced by living in different parts of the world, from the Caribbean to the United States, and now Germany. The author emphasizes the beauty of creating and adopting new traditions while reflecting on the past year's achievements and struggles. The winter solstice is presented as a time for recharging, celebrating, and preparing for the upcoming year.

Opinions

The author values the importance of both maintaining traditional customs and embracing new ones as part of cultural evolution and personal growth.
There is an appreciation for the shared elements in Christmas and Yule traditions, suggesting a universal desire for festivity and togetherness during this time of year.
The author expresses a personal connection to the winter solstice, viewing it as a meaningful period for reflection and celebration with loved ones.
The author's move to Germany has influenced their family's traditions, showing an openness to integrating different cultural practices into their celebrations.
The author encourages readers to engage in their own traditions and share them, indicating a belief in the significance of community and shared experiences.
The author finds beauty in the diversity of traditions and the personal choice involved in selecting and creating meaningful rituals.

Winter Solstice

12 Days of Christmas or 12 Days of Yule

Celebrating and embracing old and new traditions

Imagine waking up at a not-too-early, but a not-too-late hour in the morning. Let’s say 7:00 am.

You go through your morning routine. Maybe you make and drink some good old coffee or herbal tea. You get ready to head to work. But, when you leave your residence and step outside, it is still pitch black. Naturally, you do a double-take and wonder if your alarm went off earlier than expected. That’s not the case.

Welcome to the winter solstice.

The Winter Solstice

From an astronomy point of view, the December winter solstice marks the longest night and shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. This year, the winter solstice takes place on December 21st.

Due to the Earth’s tilted axis, half of the planet points away from the sun, while the other half points towards it. As such, the Northern Hemisphere has shorter days, while the Southern Hemisphere has longer days.

It is also a cause for celebration.

Celebrations and Traditions

Some people get ready to celebrate the 12 days of Christmas. They start on December 25th, which symbolizes the birth of Christ. It ends with the Epiphany or the arrival of the three wise men on January 6th.

There are services that people attend, such as Midnight mass or even carol services. Some decorate Christmas trees with beautiful lights, and gifts arrive on Christmas Eve. Some families also create their own traditions, such as wearing matching pajamas or taking family photos with Santa.

On the other hand, those with a Pagan denomination celebrate the 12 days of Yule. It begins on Winter Solstice day and runs through the new calendar year (January 1st).

Fun Fact: Yule is defined as Christmas or the Christmas season. It comes from the Old English word geōl and the Old Norse word jōl.

Despite the differences, the traditions around Christmas and Yule celebrations are somewhat similar. For example, the use of mistletoe as decorations, the Christmas tree, and the burning of the Yule log. There is even the making of the Yule log cake.

No matter how people celebrate, it is ideal to embrace and create new traditions as we grow. My family has traditions that have survived the change of times. We have also embraced new traditions due to cultural changes. About two years ago, our family moved from the states to Germany. Even before we lived in the states, we called a small island in the Caribbean our home.

Our experiences living on an island, then the states, and now to a European country, has made the embracing of traditions somewhat eclectic. On Christmas Eve, we eat goose for dinner instead of pernil. We prepare either mashed potatoes or a potato salad, maybe even sweet potatoes. Depends on what we’re in the mood to eat. Instead of drinking eggnog, we drink coquito (similar to eggnog, but made with coconut milk, coconut cream, and rum). For dessert, we eat Yule log cake.

This is the beauty of traditions. We get to make our own.

Share with me your traditions in the comments!

Time to Reflect

No matter the traditions or origins of how people decide to observe this time of year, the importance is taking the time off to recharge, celebrate, and ease into a new year.

The winter solstice time doesn’t just provide the options to celebrate the 12 days of Christmas or the 12 days of Yule or simply get cozy at night at an earlier hour.

It is about spending time together with family or friends and reflecting upon the past year. Evaluating and celebrating all the achievements and learning from past struggles.

“Snowflakes swirl down gently in the deep blue haze beyond the window. The outside world is a dream.

Inside, the fireplace is brightly lit, and the Yule log crackles with orange and crimson sparks.

There’s a steaming mug in your hands, warming your fingers.

There’s a friend seated across from you in the cozy chair, warming your heart.

There is mystery unfolding.” ― Vera Nazarian, The Perpetual Calendar of Inspiration

I’m a freelance writer. I love to write about travel, photography, and self-development. Check out my full list for more stories or my publication Roam & Capture. You can also become a Medium Member today for more reads.