Yuletide celebration.

or A Pagan Celebrates the Winter Season.

December 21-23 marks the last few days of Christmas shopping, and other such preparations for this most joyous, child-like, commercial of holidays. But for a pagan, it takes on (or we strive to make it so) as much a religious holiday as do our Judeo-Christian brethern.

For the modern celebrants, the alternately titled day, called by the Nordic peoples Yule, by the Celtic, Alban Arthuan, or just plain winter solstice, is a time when we look to the darkening of the days, the promise of the spring that is just around the corner. It is our time to take stock of the year behind, and make preparations for the year ahead. It celebrates the weakening power of the sun as the earth tilts away on its axis, yet also celebrates the promise of the sun's returning strength that lay just around the corner, on (or about) March 21. It is the day in recognition of the birth of Mithras, or of the mythic battle between the "Holly King" and "Oak King", or the celebration of the Roman Saturnalia. It is a day of contemplation, but joy also, when we finally kick the holiday revelry season into high gear; it is a day to be happy and hopeful, whatever your situation, and be thankful for the good things ahead, whatever they may be.

So grab a nice tankard of ale, and a little (quintessential Celtic) mistletoe, and perhaps your favorite, willing maiden or lord and have a wonderful, merry Yule!