Winter Solstice, Yule, & More!

Happy Winter Solstice and a Merry Yule to you all! As we dive deep into the Winter Solstice which happened on December 21st, we are invited to pause and reflect on the past year. This is such a natural time to do this, at least for me, I love to be more at home and have a tendency to contract - go inwards into myself. Just as nature herself, the bears hibernate, the leaves fall off the trees, there's a stillness in the air. I invite you to do the same, even if it's just 15 minutes each night. A time for ritual, to be in flow with nature, to tend to your seeds so you may bloom just in time for Spring.

I have included a Yule ritual for you to practice and enjoy.

The Winter Solstice and Yule celebrations also symbolize the return of the light. The sun starts to lengthen its time during the day.

Try incorporating a ritual or a gathering where it involves the lighting of candles or a fire pit.

Another beautiful activity to do during this celebration is to spend time outdoors in nature and pay respects to its changing seasons. Embracing the stillness, the connections to the ancestors and spirits, and the celebration of rebirth.

If you are feeling crafty, making these cute gnome ornaments to hang on your wreath, tree, near the front door, or to gift to friends and family is another way to embrace the Winter Solstice and Yule holiday.

This is quite simple to make!

1. Cut out rectangular fabrics

2. Roll them up like a cone and hot glue the ends

3. Cut strings of yarn long enough to fold in half to create the beard

4. Cut a long cord, tie the cord in the middle of the yarn pile, then knot the top of the cord up

5. String the cord through the cone and out the top

6. Hot glue the nose, buttons, and any other decorations you'd like to place on your gnome

And if you are up for the challenge...bake a Yule log! Here is a recipe that I tweaked to make it gluten free:

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup tapioca flour

• 2/3 cup white rice flour

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup butter (melted)

• 3/4 cup and 2.5 tbsp of milk

• dark chocolate to melt

Directions:

1. Mix all the dry ingredients in a bowl

2. Add wet ingredients into the dry ingredient bowl and mix until it's not too liquid

3. Place on a parchment paper on a baking sheet about 12x9 inches

4. Oven bake at 320* for 10 minutes

5. Take it out and let sit for 2 minutes

6. Place a napkin on top of the cake and roll the cake up gently lengthwise

7. Let sit for 10 minutes rolled up

8. Carefully unroll the cake and take the napkin off

9. Wet the top of the cake lightly with a water and sugar mixture

10. Spread your filling of choice (whipped cream, jam, chocolate spread)

11. Roll the cake up again with the help of the parchment paper and seal the ends shut

12. Place in the fridge for at least 20 minutes

13. Melt the chocolate during this time

14. Take the cake out and spread the chocolate over the cake

15. Make it look like a bark by using a fork to design it

16. Sprinkle powdered sugar and any decorations you'd like to add!

There are so many fun activities and rituals to do during this time of year! Even though the Winter Solstice is only one day, Yule is often celebrated for as long as 12 days!

Enjoy and Cheers!

Tracy Nova

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