Family Yule

[Faery-Wings]

In spite of spending three hours at a drs office with a sick little girl, my family had a really lovely Yule.

I made a delicious ham, sausage stuffing and sweet potatoes for dinner. We lit an orange candle ( my son's choice) and sang happy birthday to the sun. Then, we made our Yule log after dinner. We closed our eyes and took turns making wishes on it as we glued decorations to it. It came out beautiful. And I would like to publicly thank my husband who thinks all religion is a joke, but he contributed to the whole day. :)


Did you do anything special with your family?

[MammaStar]

Well, technically, my family didn't know it was Yule. My older brother said something "Isn't today Solsitice for you?" :lol:

But other than that, I was out with both brothers & their family, me, Eshallet, J-man, my Mom, my best friend & her family and my SURPRISE! My Uncle and his fiance & her 2 kids. It was our annual "Christmas gathering" But instead of Mom's house, like we ALWAYS do.....we had it at a local restaurant. It was fun. Despite me getting all stressed out over stuff, I had a nice time. Eshallet even held my friends baby for a while. :D

[Lavender]

I sort of celebrated over a few days. On Thursday night we went to the Festival of Lights. It's a beautiful garden that was decorated with lights. There was a choir and a wishing wall. There were also dancers, dressed up in elemental costumes. I don't think it was meant to be a pagan theme but it seemed to have ended up that way. The wishing wall was beautiful. You can light a candle for a small donation to the Make a Wish Foundation. I lit some candles for my friends and family, online and offline.

On Saturday, I had to work in the morning. Later we had planned to go to the Parade of Lanterns but changed our minds. We had a nice quiet dinner at home. A couple of my friends came over for coffee & we lit the Yule log. Then we went out & looked at all the decorated houses, came back & had more hot chocolates & munchies. I really love the idea of a wishing wall so we lit candles & placed them on the stone wall in the backyard. Most of the night was spontaneous but everything just felt right. My hubby thinks about the same as yours, Chris, but he really helped make it special. :)

On Sunday, we went on a short hike up the mountains & placed an offering of seeds and suet for the animals. I just love this time of year! :)

[Flaire]

On the 21st, Ma & I finished up our gingerbread house..And I had my personal ritual. Today, though, is the big family day where we have relitaves over, feast on a huge turkey & snacks all day. :) The house kinda has a pagany feel to it though...Because it's decorated with greenery and candles of all sorts. :) (Of course, I'm not going to tell Ma that - she's Christian...so it's sort of a Christian-type thing she's doing, I guess) :)

[fire_Raven]

*sighs* i'm one of the only people in my family who knows i'm wiccan, so nobody even mentioned anyhting, i went shopping for my mom for Christmas, and thought about yule *frowns* not much else though

[Witchy Cowgirl]

On Sat. morining I called my Mama-in-Law and Sis-in-Law to tell them it was Yule. I told my Hubby that I knew they'd want to know - but wouldn't realize it unless I told them. I gave them a short explanation of it and wished them a Blessed Yule.

Later I went shopping for Yule gifts for my family (one each). Then Hubby and I went shopping to finish up the Christmas stuff. When we got home Hubby built a bon-fire. Before we gathered round it everybody picked a Yule gift from what I'd purchased. I already had them wrapped and tagged. Then we gathered round the fire at which time I explained Yule to the boys. Then the gifts were given. As each one was opened I explained what each one meant - for example - Hubby received a smokey quartz key ring - the quartz was to keep his car running smoothly - he drives an hour and half one way to work;) and so on. The kids burned the paper!

Today we'll be celebrating Christmas with my folks and tomorrow we'll be going to Hubbys mom's.

I hope you all had or are having a grand and glourious - or at least meaningful Winter Celebration - whatever you celebrate!

[Witchy Cowgirl]

Oh, and Wildchild I like the Wishing Wall as well and will have to incorporate that next year!
Maybe even this year while I'm at Mama-in-Laws!
I always have to lead the prayer there. Everyone could have their on candle to hold while I'm offering the prayer - then each one could light there own candle after the prayer!
Hey, that'd work!
Gotta call Mama-in-Law!