5 Ways to Celebrate Yule With Poetry
This year, Yule starts on December 21 and ends on January 1. An ancient festival, Yule connects us to the seasons, the sun, and our planet’s cyclical nature. It begins on the eve of the Winter Solstice—the shortest day and longest night of the year. As the light wanes on the 21st and then gradually increases each day after, Yule offers an opportunity to indulge in the comfort of one’s home, reflect on the year, and feel the quiet, peaceful assurance that the sun will return. With origins dating back to the fifth century, Yule has many storied traditions to incorporate into our festivities—including ones that still play a role in more modern-day holidays. Just as Yule has an ongoing and deep legacy, so does poetry. Here are some ways to connect the two as you stay warm and celebrate.
1. Read by the fire.
Take on the tradition of burning a yule log by starting your fireplace and indulging in its warmth. If you’re celebrating Yule in a warmer area, you can also opt for an outdoor bonfire. Burning the Yule log represents casting protection around the home and welcoming the warmth and energy of the sun back in. Crack open your favorite poetry collection, or choose from one of our winter solstice recommendations, and sink into the warmth by the fire.
2. Make a poetry-inspired Yule altar or wreath.
A Yule altar honors and encourages the sun’s rebirth. Typically, those celebrating include a candle in their altar as a symbol of the sun, yule herbs like cinnamon and mistletoe, and gold or shiny crystals to further reflect the sun’s energy. It’s also common to lay out the altar on a cloth or tapestry. To incorporate poetry into your Yule altar, consider adding a nearby stack of some of your favorite collections—especially those that contain winter themes—or crystals that can help with writing and creativity, like sodalite or lapis lazuli.
3. Read and share poems about nature.
Nature—its cycles, symbols, and integration with our lives—stands out as the focal point of Yule. Lean into this theme by reading or writing nature poetry. Grab your pen and try out some of our snow-themed prompts, or meditate on the messages of the solstice by thinking about what the sun means to you, considering the shift from winter to spring, and exploring imagery of darkness and light.
4. Give back to your local literary community.
Giving back to others is one of the central tenets of Yule. Embody this giving spirit in a literary way by giving to some of our favorite charitable organizations that bolster writing and reading, or by giving books to a local organization near you or donating them to a little free library.
5. Feel grounded with a poetry-inspired meditation.
Relaxing, connecting to gratitude, and opening your mind are all important during Yule. Roll out your yoga mat, go on a quiet walk, or sit by a sunny window to let a meditation sink in. Take inspiration from our poems to pair with your meditation practice for fortifying words from Mary Oliver, Alex Elle, and others.
Have a happy and cozy Yule!
