So, today is Yule. It’s the longest night of the year, and a new moon. I’ve been trying to relax this weekend, and we have plans for tonight.

Unlike Christmas, which has become so materialistic, we keep Yule as a spiritual day. No gifts are exchanged between us. Instead, we have a delicious meal and share part of it with our deities. We light a candle or two, and take time to reflect on our gratitude, and our hopes for the new year. Tonight will be about happiness, and giving thanks to the higher power(s) for what we have been given, and what we will receive in the future.

Tonight’s dinner is going to be homemade poutine and steak. It’s one of those decadent things that we don’t do too often. Instead of frozen fries, we’re going to use fresh redskin potatoes that will be par boiled then pan seared. The gravy will be made from scratch, topped with cheese and surrounded with some lovely rare grilled steak. It’s going to be wonderful. We’ve never done poutine from scratch, so this is going to be special. I’ve been looking forward to it all week long.

I’m not sure what kind of ritual work we might do today, but I’m sure there will be something. If nothing else, a candle will be lit in honor of the great one(s) and we will save a portion of our meal to offer to them. We’ve been lacking in our offerings lately, so that part is very important for us to remember tonight.

For those wondering, we will be getting together with family for a late Christmas (accounting for schedules and all) but there won’t be a lot of gifts this year. We’re all on the short end with money this season, so we’re gathering to hang out and share good food. We’re going pot-luck, with everyone bringing something. We’re going to bring quesadilla bake this time. I think people will enjoy that, since it’s not something they’ve had before. I’m looking forward to seeing what other people bring. I’m actually more excited this year with few or no presents being given. Family, friends and food have always meant more to me anyway.

As a closing thought, I know it’s late in the season, but I want to offer a thought for you to hold onto this season, and for all to come. The holidays should be about spirituality, family and love, not about money. Remember what’s important, and it’s not gifts. And when it comes to greetings, accept any one you receive, and know that it’s offered with joy for the season. Return the same to others. Don’t fuss over people not saying what you want to hear. There is so much joyous variety in this world, embrace it instead of trying to kill it.

May you all have a blessed Yule, a Merry Christmas, or a wonderful holiday for whatever it is you celebrate. I hope that the coming year brings you a happier and more fulfilled life.

Briana Blair

Briana Blair is an author and artisan. She has published more then 30 books and thousands of articles across multiple sites. After practicing Paganism and witchcraft for 25 years, she's now on a journey as an atheist and skeptic. She's eclectic, unpredictable, and always evolving. Facebook - Twitter