The longest night of the year, the official first day of winter, the time when we celebrate the coming light and thank the Gods for seeing us safely through the longest night . . . all this, and more, is Yule.

Yule - also called Winter Solstice - is one of the 4 minor Sabbats. It is a time to look back on the past years accomplishments, and a time to celebrate with family and friends. Traditional activities during Yule include decorating the Yule tree, exchanging gifts, storytelling, making wreaths, sending greetings and throwing holiday parties. Many of todays Christian Christmas traditions come from the Pagan Yule celebration - the Christmas tree, Christmas colors of red and green, and the gift giving.

From the moment of the Solstice, the days begin to grow in strength again; the Sun is returning . . . the God is reborn from the Goddess. Pagans have long observed - since before the fourth century - the birth of the son of the Babylonian Queen of Heaven. It is a time of the new replacing the old, the cycle of life.

Greenery is used to celebrate Yule, ever reminding us that life goes on, even in the darkest of times. Decorating a tree with lots of lights, ornaments of stars, moons, suns, festive balls and candy canes, is always a warming sight. An edible Yule log can be enjoyed by all - a cake roll or pastry, smothered in coffee or chocolate-flavored icing, decorated with sugared holly leaves and roses.

Rejoice! The time of rebirth is near.