Creating New Family Traditions: Yule Camping

The longest night of the year is a starting point for the spring and summer solstices to come in the new year.

Growing up, the most I ever heard about Yule was singing "Yuletide carols being sung by the fire" what are Yuletide carols? That was pretty taboo. Growing up in the conservative midwest in the middle of the Satanic panic, Pagan holidays weren't exactly accepted or discussed. I always thought of Pagan traditions as historical and dead —a relic of a time long gone. Even today, in looking for more resources to share with you all, I found many blogs and resources referring to Yule as a "ancient" tradition and not recognizing that it is a part of many families' traditions today still. Growing up, I didn't know any Pagans, and I certainly didn't think that a reasonable, moral person could be pagan or celebrate pagan holidays. So the only thoughts I gave to Yule were in Christmastime songs and the fact that it was the shortest day of the year. I didn't know anything about Yule until I explored my spirituality as an adult.

On the longest night, Im spending the night outside.

The longest night is the time period between December 21st and 23rd. This is also known as the winter solstice, which occurs when the sun reaches its lowest point in our sky. After this date, each day will get longer and longer until it reaches its longest point on June 21st (summer solstice).

The Yule celebration begins with this longest night because it marks a shift from darkness into light—a reminder that even though darkness seems to rule us during these winter months, spring will come again soon.

I find this to be such a beautiful representation of the cycles of rebirth and growth. Often, after a period of deep depression or anxiety, I have felt guilty or shameful both for the lack of productivity and presence during these periods but also for the expectations I set during seasons of contentment and happiness. I would tell myself that I was not being fair to the people in my life who had come to expect me to be a certain way. These expectations were often unrealistic and unfair, and I'm not sure others felt the same way, but in my mind, they existed. And that had power over me and my ability to reach my full potential and see the fullness of the sunshine. It wasn't until I started to release myself from the expectations of others, and even my expectations, that I could begin to find a balance between being productive and being present. It was only then that I had the power to indeed be happy in my life—not just getting things done but feeling joyous.

To fully appreciate the joy and sunshine, we must also remember that like the moon, the days and nights wane and wax, and with each season of slowness and darkness, there is rest and rebirth, and spring will come again.

So, what does it mean to be fully present? It means that we are here now, at this moment. It means we are not wishing for something else or thinking about the past or future. It also means that we can live in a state of gratitude for everything happening right now—even if it's painful to feel. And if that's not a metaphor for winter camping, I don't know what is. It'll be cold, I'm sure, and it'll be hard. But it'll be an opportunity to connect with the natural world and with my friends. And I'll be reminded that it's all a cycle: there will be slowness and darkness but also lightness, life, and rebirth.

The longest night is a starting point for the spring and summer solstices.

Yule is a good time to start thinking about the coming year and setting intentions for what you want to accomplish. It’s also a good time for reflection: looking back on the past year and looking ahead towards what lies ahead.

The longest night of the year signals that winter is ending and spring will come soon. It’s a gentle reminder that things will get brighter, even though they may not seem so at first!

I'm excited for the start of a new year and starting with intention and new traditions with my family and class.

Here's a list of a few Yule traditions you may consider adopting yourself, and if you want to read more, check out this list from PaganKids.org:

-Make Solstice Lanterns to celebrate the coming of the light.

-Decorate your house and yard with evergreen boughs, pinecones, and other symbols of life.

-Decorate a Yule Log to burn at your celebration.

-Light candles in the windows of your home to welcome back the sun.

-Burn a Yule log in the fireplace and decorate it with pine cones, holly leaves, and berries.

-Light candles to celebrate the return of light after a long dark winter.

-Read books about the Solstice and Yule Traditions, here's a few we are reading this year.

-Give gifts to friends, family members, and classmates.

-Camp out and welcome the sunshine the morning of the Solstice by connecting with nature (or just go outside and watch the sunrise!)

Staying warm is a new challenge, but a great way to encourage myself toward growth.

I've done a lot of camping in my life, even spending a week in the Thumb of Michigan this summer camping with my family, but I've never winter camped. So this will be a whole new experience.

I figure since it symbolizes newness, Yule camping is a great time to start. It's a challenge and a great way to build skills and learn what you need. It will also help you learn what works well for you.

Since I want to connect with my home and the land here, I am starting my camping at home. Which will also be convenient in case I do forget anything I need!

My next one will be somewhere further out of town, so I know what I'll need to pack wisely.

I'm using this as a starting point so that the next time I go camping, I will be better prepared.

Not to mention I'll be able to rope my husband into shooting content for me since I haven't convinced him yet to join me in my sleep-outside challenge until it warms up.

Each night I spend outside, I'll get better at it, which means packing less and being more confident in what works.

With each night spent camping and hiking, I'm learning what works and doesn't. I'm getting more comfortable with the cold and learning to keep warm. I've figured out a system for keeping my bedding dry (and keeping myself dry while sleeping). I've also learned that it's essential to stay safe when choosing where you sleep - there are many risks in the wilderness! But as always, we can mitigate risks through analysis and preparation.

This knowledge will help me be more confident when camping this summer and fall. As we move into longer nights and colder temperatures, now's the perfect time for some backpacking practice! Why not join me?

A Yule campout is a great beginning winter camping journey.

I invite you to join me in welcoming the birth of the new year by watching it begin. Rise with the sun and set intentions

for your journey. Celebrate the coming of a new year and how far you’ve come on your journey to connect with nature, and set intentions for the coming year. This is a beautiful time to set intentions for your life. Take the time to reflect on where you’ve been, what you have learned, and what your goals are for the future. It’s also a great time to think about how to be more present with others during this holiday season.

If you are new to winter camping, here are some quick tips for your first trip:

-Dress in layers. You will be moving around a lot and generating heat, so you’ll need to take off or add clothing as necessary.

-Bring extra clothes that can serve as insulation if they get wet. I recommend wool socks, wool pants and shirts, and a warm hat (preferably one that covers your ears).

If you want more tips and to follow my journey, join the Sleep Outside Challenge and get my monthly newsletter with tips,

discounts, reflections, and stories from my 2023 camping journey. Even if you're not ready to commit to winter camping, I hope you'll join me and follow along on the journey. And just maybe, you'll be inspired to make it into your own. This challenge is all about starting where you are. No commitments, No pressure. Just community and learning together.

This is just the beginning of my winter camping journey. I will update you as I continue to learn and grow. Please join me by signing up for the newsletter below, and follow me on Instagram or anywhere else on social media @playfulacre. You'll also get access to exclusive discounts and deals!