Yule

Of all the sabbaths, this one intrigued me the most. From the time I was very young, we always celebrated Christmas. I am not one for family gatherings or traditions. I would rather be alone with my book then celebrating each and every holiday. As I grew older and had children, of course I celebrated for them.

Fast forward a couple of years ago, as I started my spiritual journey, I heard about Yule. I wasn't sure what kind of celebration it was, but I soon found out.

Here is a definition of Yule:

Yule is a festival that has been celebrated for centuries in various cultures around the world. It is typically associated with the winter solstice, which occurs around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere and June 20th in the Southern Hemisphere. Yule celebrations often involve feasting, gift-giving, and the lighting of candles or fires.

In ancient Norse traditions, Yule was known as "Jól" and was celebrated for 12 days. It was a time to honor the gods and ancestors, as well as to welcome the return of the sun and longer days. The Yule log was a central part of the celebration, with a large wooden log being burned to symbolize the warmth and light of the returning sun.

In modern times, Yule is still celebrated by many pagans and Wiccans as a time to connect with nature, honor ancestors, and celebrate the turning of the seasons. It is also celebrated by some Christians as Christmas, which has incorporated many Yule traditions over the centuries.

Yule is a festival that holds great significance throughout history. It not only marks the winter solstice, but it also represents the turning of the seasons and the hope for new beginnings. Yule customs vary depending on the culture, but they all share the common thread of celebrating life and the joy of giving. The warmth of the fire, the light of the candles, and the abundance of food and drink symbolize the love and generosity that we share with each other during this time. Whether you celebrate Yule as a religious or secular holiday, it is a time to come together with family and friends, to share in the joy of the season, and to reflect on all that we are grateful for.

Yule sounds amazing to me. Food, festivals and honoring my ancestors. Yes please. What about you? Do you celebrate Yule?

Witches Kitchen

Bread pudding is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. It's a perfect way to use up stale bread, and it's incredibly easy to make. Here is a simple recipe for bread pudding that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups of stale bread, torn into small pieces

• 2 cups of milk

• 3 eggs

• 1/2 cup of sugar

• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg

• 1/4 cup of raisins (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

3. Add the torn bread to the bowl and stir until all the bread is coated with the milk mixture. If using raisins, add them now.

4. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the liquid.

5. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.

6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.

7. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

This recipe can be easily modified to suit your tastes. You can add different spices, such as ginger or allspice, or swap out the raisins for chopped nuts or chocolate chips. It's a versatile dessert that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Enjoy!

Yule