Yule Activities and Facts for Kids

Yule is an ancient festival that is typically connected with the Germanic people. The festival was a pagan celebration for a long time until it underwent Christianized reformulation. This is why we can recognize many Yule traditions in today’s Christmas customs. 

Many families decide to teach their children many Yule traditions and celebrate them together. If you’re one of them, or are just curious, then keep reading because, in this article, you can find useful information about Yule history and traditions, as well as fun and meaningful Yule activities for kids. 

Yule Traditions

Yule emerged in German-speaking countries as a midwinter celebration that usually lasted around 12 days. It was a way of celebrating the year’s longest night (Winter Solstice) in the Northern Hemisphere and the new year. Because of this, some people celebrate Yule on the 21st of December, while in many countries it coincides with Christmas Day. 

However, Yule is more about celebrating light. After all, the winter solstice (the longest night) is also the point after which the day only gets longer.  This is not unusual and it’s seen all around the world, with Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and more. 

According to some Wiccan rituals, the Yule festival commemorates the legendary battle between the young Oak King and the Holly King. The Oak King represents the light of the new year, while the Holly King represents the darkness of the year that passed. 

Some Yule traditions include setting up a Yule altar, saying prayers, welcoming back the Sun, burning a Yule log, decorating a tree, performing a cleansing ritual, and more. 

Yule Log

Also known as the Christmas block, the Yule log is a carefully selected log that’s burnt on the hearth (brick or stone-lined fireplace). People gather around the fireplace and tell stories while the log slowly burns away. 

The origin of the tradition is unclear, but historians usually associate it with Germanic paganism. All we know is, this is just one of the things that have found their way into the modern-day Christmas traditions. 

Connections With Christmas

Apart from the Yule log, there are many other clear connections between the traditions of Yule and Christmas. Examples of these shared or adopted traditions include the Christmas tree, the Yule goat, the Yule boar (Christmas ham), and Yule singing (Christmas carols). 

How to Celebrate Yule With Children?

Many countries around the world celebrate Yule in one way or another, especially in Europe. If you and your family want to join the traditions, here are some interesting ways to celebrate Yule with your children with some fun Yule activities for kids. 

Learn About Yule

First things first. If you want to celebrate Yule with your children, you first have to teach them about Yule’s history and traditions. And, there are many ways to achieve this without boring your kids to death.

We recommend watching some Yule-themed movies, reading books on Yule for kids, learning through quizzes, puzzles, and more. On our website, you’ll find a Yule Facts & Worksheets bundle that is just perfect for this activity. This bundle was created by teachers, with the needs of many teachers and homeschooling parents in mind. You’ll get educational material on the subject and 11 ready-to-use Yule worksheets, including maps, crossword puzzles, charts, and so much more. 

Create Your Own Yule Log

Together with your child, you can make a decorative Yule Log from real wood that makes an amazing centerpiece or a gift. 

You’ll need three pieces of wood (same length, but different diameters), bundling wire (wires are more secure, but you can also use a ribbon), craft straw, pine needles, leaves, and berries (alternative).

To make the festive Yule log, simply bind the three pieces of wood together and secure them with the wire or ribbon. You can also use a wire and a ribbon on top. Additionally or alternatively to ribbons, you can also use craft straws that will give the whole piece a nice rustic look. Once the log is secure, stick pine needles and other leaves from the sides to make it look festive. You can also add berries or anything else that you and your child think can make the piece more in the holiday spirit. 

Organize Family Outdoor Celebration

Sitting around a fireplace while the Yule log burns is an old and beautiful tradition. It creates a warm ambiance and an opportunity for the family to bond over s’mores and hot drinks. You can also turn it into an annual family tradition. 

Make Yule Greeting Cards

DIY greetings cards make the best inexpensive but thoughtful presents, especially if you include a wholesome personal message. Plus, it’s one of those fun Yule activities for kids that children enjoy doing. Kids are best at expressing themselves creatively and innocently, as they speak their minds without social constraints. 

Take some water or oil colors, color pencils, and blank greetings cards. Address them to your friends and family members, and then ask your child to draw, color, and write a message on each of them. 

Before You Leave

December is a joyful time with many opportunities for celebrations, and Yule is such an opportunity. Although it’s considered a pagan holiday, the ancient traditions of Yule are beautiful and serve as the foundation of many traditional Christmas customs. Plus, today, everyone sees Yule season as a festive period when people can focus on their friends, family, and those in need. 

Hopefully, our article will be an inspiration for how you can commemorate Yule with your children. In case you need more ideas for the upcoming holidays, our worksheet library is just a download away! Also, don’t forget to check out our blog because we have more surprises coming this month!