Yule Log

An oak log, plus a fireplace or bonfire area is needed for this form
of celebration. The oak log should be very dry so that it will blaze
well. It can be decorated with burnable red ribbons of natural fiber
and dried holly leaves. In the fireplace or bonfire area, dried
kindling should be set to facilitate the burning of the log.
Begin by having parent(s) or some other family member describe the
tradition of the Yule log. The tale of the Oak King and Holly King
from Celtic mythology can be shared as a story, or can be summarized
with a statement that the Oak represents the waxing solar year,
Winter Solstice to Summer Solstice, and the Holly represents the
waning solar year, Summer Solstice to Winter Solstice.
Lights are extinguished as much as possible. The family is quiet
together in the darkness. Family members quietly contemplate the
change in the solar year. Each in her/his own way contemplates the
past calendar year, the challenges as well as the good times.
Then the Yule Log fire is lit. As it begins to burn, each family
member throws in one or more dried holly sprigs and says farewell to
the old calendar year. Farewells can take the form of thanksgiving
and appreciation and/or a banishment of old habits or personal pains.
Once the Yule Log itself starts blazing, then the facilitator invites
family members to contemplate the year ahead and the power of
possibilities. Each member then throws in an oak twig or acorn into
the fire to represent the year ahead, and calls out a resolution and/
or a hope.
When this process is done, the family sings a song together. The
traditional carol, "Deck the Halls," is good because it mentions the
Solstice, the change in the solar year, and the Yule log.
Let the Yule Log burn down to a few chunks of charred wood and ashes.
Following an ancient tradition, save remnants of the fire and use
them to start the Yule Log fire the following year.

Yule Wreath

purchase a wreath or make a wreath from evergreens collected by
family members.
have family members gather around the wreath and consider it as a
symbol of cycles of Nature; mention Yule and Jul, names for Winter
Solstice time (and Christmas) mean wheel.
have family members each share something they appreciate about Winter
put the wreath in a visible location, such as on the front door, on
an inside wall, or in the center of the dining table.
On or after New Year's Day, wreath can be returned to Nature, or kept
until Summer Solstice and then burned in a bonfire.

Yule Celebration Recipes


Morning Julegroed

4 cups milk
A couple of almonds, finely chopped
1 rounded teaspoon of butter/margarine
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup washed white rice
A pinch of cinnamon powder
1/2 cup thick cream

In a large saucepan, heat the milk until boiling. Add butter/margarine, then add the rice and turn down the heat. Cover with lid, and let rice simmer slowly for about one hour or until the milk is absorbed. Transfer to a non-metal bowl and fold in the cream and almonds. Serve in small bowls with sugar and cinnamon sprinkled on top.


Sun Up Egg Squares

1 pound pork sausage, cooked & drained
1 1/4 cups bisquick
4 ounces mushrooms, sliced
12 eggs
1/2 cup sliced green onions
1 cup milk
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 teaspoon each; pepper, oregano

Layer the sausage, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, and cheese in a well greased 13"x9"x2" baking dish. Beat together the remaining ingredients in a non-metal bowl and pour over sausage mixture. Bake, covered, in a 350 degree oven until golden brown and set (about 30 minutes). Cut into 12 3-inch squares. Serves 12, can be halved.


Shortest Day Ham Loaf

1 pound ground pork
1/2 cup fine bread crumbs
1 pound ground ham
1 medium tomato, chopped
2 eggs
1/4 cup milk


Mix all ingredients above and shape into 2 individual loaves. In a saucepan combine:
1 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup vinegar
1 teaspoon dried mustard
1/2 cup water

Bring sauce to a boil, pour over the loaves, place loaves in a 350 degree oven and bake for 1 hour, basting regularly. Makes 10-12 servings.


Yuletide Slaw

4 cups red cabbage, shredded
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, corse ground
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup green onions, chopped
2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 cup salad oil
2 tablespoons parsley
1 green bell pepper, chopped

Combine and toss the vegetables together. Mix salt, pepper, salad oil, lemon juice, sugar and parsley and pour over the vegetable mixture. Refrigerate for 1 hour, Toss briskly before serving. Makes 8 servings.