Celebrating Yule: Wheel of the Year - Part 1
- Shannon
- Jun 16, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 25, 2025
A Note Before we Begin
The celebrations and practices shared here reflect my personal path and research within living, ever-evolving traditions. Histories vary by culture, place, and lineage. Take what resonates, leave what doesn’t, and trust your own relationship with the sacred.[Read more about my approach to tradition here.]
What's known as the ”Wheel of the Year” is a series of ancient traditions and celebrations that honor the cycles of the Earth as she shifts, through what we understand as the seasons.
Where does a wheel begin?
Depending on the tradition, the “beginning” of the Wheel of the Year might be marked at Samhain, Yule, Imbolc, or Ostara. And while, by definition, a wheel has no true beginning or end… for me, a new turning always starts with the Winter Solstice and the celebrations of Yule.
The Winter Solstice marks the moment when the Sun turns back toward us after its slow descent across the sky since the Summer Solstice. Here in the North, that means the longest nights have arrived, and from this point on, the days will begin to grow longer again — a shift well worth celebrating!
What I love about the Winter Solstice is the quiet.
Yes, the light is returning. Yes, it’s almost time to begin dreaming and planning for spring. But for now, there is still space to rest, to turn inward, and to savor a few more moments of peace as the Earth sleeps beneath a thick blanket of snow. It invites us to do the same — to slow down, to snuggle in, to simply be. It feels like a moment outside of time, a chance to connect with something deep, ancient, and timeless.
Yule
As with many things, the exact timing and length of Yule has varied greatly through the ages, but for most Yuletide is celebrated over twelve days, each one offering an opportunity to deepen our connection with nature, spirit, and community. For me, Yule begins on the evening of December 20th with Mother’s Night and continues through New Year’s Day.
These are the celebrations of giving, not just of material gifts, but the gift of presence, love, joy, and hope.
Now, do I spend every single one of these days and nights in full celebration? Of course not. But I do try to weave something meaningful into each day that honors the spirit of the season. To me, the days of Yule feel as though they’re sparkling with childlike wonder, and I do my best to lean into that magic whenever I can. And honestly… who couldn’t use a little more wonder in their life?
Do I decorate a tree?
Of course I do. Evergreens symbolize life that endures even through the coldest winters, so bringing that energy into my home feels essential. Besides, the holiday tree is a physical representation of the Tree of Life - where all things begin, end, and begin again - connecting all the worlds and all the potentials. I adorn my tree with meaningful ornaments I've been given and collected over the years, and bright, white lights to honor the return of the Sun. It’s one of the first decorations I put up for Yule, and you'll find it shining bright through all the days (and often all night as well).
Mother’s Night is probably my most favorite tradition that I’ve re-incorporated into my celebrations because it centers on honoring the mothers and grandmothers who have shaped me — those who came before and those who still guide and watch over me. It feels fitting that the very first decorations placed on my Yule altar are representations of them. From there, the altar grows and evolves over the days, but beginning with those who began it all just feels right to me.
Do I celebrate Christmas?
Absolutely. Most of my family is Christian, and one of the beautiful overlaps between our traditions is the importance of gathering together. So on December 24th, you’ll usually find me feasting with family — surrounded by gifts, good food, and children gleefully tearing into their presents. Childlike wonder at its finest!
In my traditions, midway through the 12 days of Yule falls on Christmas Day. Over the last couple years, we've decided to designate this as "Hygge at Home" day. We've usually been out late the night before with family, so today we sleep in a little later, start our day a little slower - usually with mimosas and chocolate - and spend the day doing not much of anything. Of course, at some point, I break out the good dishes from the cabinet and make something decadent and special for dinner. But in the midst of all the celebrating, it's nice just to spend the day with no real agenda other than enjoying a relaxed, cozy day at home.
By the end of Yule, my altar, my heart, and my belly are full from the abundant blessings of the season. On New Year’s Day, instead of resolutions, we start the morning with “Jason Mimosas” and refresh our dream board for the year ahead. Some dreams have been realized, some are still unfolding, and — eternal dreamers that we are — some will always be added in the spirit of why not?
May this season of Yule fill you with peace, joy, and wonder.
May the promise of the returning light bring hope for brighter days.
And may you feel held by those who came before you, and those who surround you now.
Blessed Yule!
Questions to help you start your practice:
How can I invite more magic and wonder into my life?
Where can I allow myself to slow down, even just a little?
Who can I share my hope and light with?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hi there! I'm Shannon Bueche, and this is my space to share what's on my mind, as concisely as my Virgo brain will allow. Not only do I 'spill the tea' on some common misconceptions, but I also like to drink it while I'm running down the rabbit holes of the hows and whys of what I do to harmonize with the greater connections of life.
Whether it's living, growing, and harvesting in tune with the cycles of the year, the struggles of being human in this age, or just the random musings of an everyday Green Witch/Earth Mother, you'll find it all here. I believe in keeping things authentic, but still practical. So, while I may overshare details from time-to-time, I will always offer suggestions that make sense for living right now.
So, grab a cup, sit a spell, and join me on this journey of living from the ground up.
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