Welcoming Back the Light

I spent my morning at the dentist, which went very well. And, I am very grateful. Today is also a special day. It is the first day of winter here in the Northern Hemisphere and the first day of summer for our brothers and sisters in the Southern Hemisphere. Today is also Yule or Yuletide, which is a festival of renewal and light. Yule has traditionally been celebrated for millenia in the Northern Hemisphere by the Norse people. It has been a time for feasting, merrymaking and sacrifice. The Celts,  the Romans, the Greeks and the Egyptians also had similar festivities in and around wintertime.

Customs such as the Yule log, the decorated tree, wreaths of holly and evergreens, wassailing (caroling), mistletoe, gift-giving, using the colors: red, green, white, gold and silver, cookies, cakes, fruits, nuts, cider, eggnog, turkey, pork (ham), feasting, and honoring a god (of agriculture) came from Yuletide and related celebrations. The Catholic church later sanctified these traditions and incorporated them into Christian traditions to win over non-Christians (with the Christmas celebration December 25). I find the overlap of the symbolism of the return of the light (and the Sun) and the return of Christ (the Son of God) to be remarkable. Yule is truly a wonderful celebration filled with rituals of renewal and joy for the return of longer days. You can learn more of Yule at:

History of Yule (About.com) 
All about Yule (About.com)
Yule in the Northern Isles
The Winter Solstice – Yule Lore
Yule

I feel it is important to understand and appreciate the customs and traditions of others. In this way we can truly bring back the light and be love for one another. Wishing you and yours a Joyous Winter Solstice and Yule Blessings and Peace; good-bye to darkness and hello to a very Merry Christmas.

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• Welcome Yule! (beckyinvt.wordpress.com)
• MYTHICAL CALENDAR : DECEMBER 21 : Winter Solstice, Yule, Mistletoe & More! (chscarlett.wordpress.com)
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Winter Solstice

Winter Solstice

by Dr. Angela K. Orboko

The shortest day of the year approaches.
It is upon us, the dark winter solstice.

Some believe this may be the end of human time.
I know it to be the start of new reasoning and rhyme.

Love will rule our hearts as we help our sisters and brothers…
Of every religion, creed, culture and color.

The power’s within us to create a world of love, serenity and bliss.
All we need to do is BELIEVE it already exists.

Welcome the light as we approach Spring and Summer.
Yes, I know, our kin are already experiencing it, Down Under.

Happy Winter/Summer Solstice!

Related articles

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• Everything you need to know: Winter solstice 2012 (earthsky.org)

New Traditions

Create new traditions to bring more joy and unity into the lives of you and your loved ones! ~ Dr. Angi K. Orobko

In December we celebrate love, joy, generosity, charity, Christmas, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, rebirth, return of light, and so much more. How we choose to celebrate the holiday is entirely up to us. We can choose to create new ways to celebrate the season. The possibilities are endless. Take the opportunity to invite input from your loved ones when you create a new tradition or two. Ask yourselves, how can you best celebrate? What will make this season for you and your family more meaningful?

My loved ones and I celebrate Christmas each year. Yes, we usually put up a Christmas tree and exchange gifts; but, more importantly we honor the birth of Jesus Christ, as well as, prepare our hearts for the second coming of our Lord. This preparation can be in many forms, but ultimately it is being Jesus and Love for others, whether it is in the spirit of giving gifts and/or sharing time and talents.

I love the idea of creating care packages filled with necessities and goodies for people in need. I love the idea of doing deliberate and anonymous acts of love and kindness each week in the name of Jesus and Love. These can become new traditions in my family. There are countless other things we can do and I am open to receive any ideas my loved ones have in mind. How about you? Are you going to create a new tradition this December?

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