Long before we started observing Christmas, our ancestors held festivities to mark the rising of the midwinter sun, from the first Neolithic farmers to later Celtic tribes. Fires were kept burning constantly inside homes, while huge bonfires were lit outdoors. The weeklong Roman festival of Saturnalia started on 17th December, involving feasts, processions, decorating houses with greenery, lighting candles and exchanging presents. The pagan festival of the Winter Solstice (Yule) on 21st December, the year's shortest day, is one of the world's oldest winter festivals. Contemporary pagans celebrate Mother Nature giving birth to the Sun God by lighting candles, symbolising the days becoming longer. You can bring pagan symbols into your home with style and simplicity in many ways. Shimmering orbs are indicative of the sun, while scented candles reflect ancient fire ceremonies.

The Christmas Tree
Evergreens were worshipped by the Celtic Druids, viewing them as representational of eternal life, and hope for spring's return. Druids covered the branches of forest trees with coloured clothe and food. Scandinavian pagans brought decorated trees inside, as they believed a warm environment might attract wood nymphs and fairies.

As an alternative to the traditional tree, a sculpted olive tree (an ancient symbol of wisdom and peace) is viable alternative. Pay homage to the Sun God by hanging shimmering orbs from its branches. These are available cheaply from numerous retailers. Olives do exceptionally well outdoors, so when Christmas is over, the tree will continue to grow happily in a sheltered spot in the garden.

Gaining Inspiration from Ancient Rituals
Small details can make a substantial difference. "Divine" decorations bring the festive spirit into your home. Pagans held nighttime celebrations and looked at the stars for inspiration. You can create you own starry sky by hanging crystal stars, or arranging them on flat surfaces. Again, they are available from several retailers. Having the "out-laws" staying for a few days is far from relaxing. Create a stress-free zone using picture hooks to hang decorative agate slices. The stone is said to boost self-confidence and ease emotional trauma! At the Winter Solstice, Druids would cut mistletoe from oak trees and give it as a blessing. This evergreen plant is a symbol of life, which can be found at farmers' markets or greengrocers.

Make the most of the available daylight by hanging crystals from your windows. Crystal snowflakes, etched prisms, chandelier style dewdrops and various other hangings are readily and cheaply available.

Make your hearth and mantelpiece striking features with a variety of decorations and accessories. These might include:
  • Glass candlesticks and a large silver star in the fireplace
  • Metallic cardholder
  • A garland of fairy lights
  • Wreath, made from recycled materials
  • Small trees with lights
Keep candles burning to encourage the rebirth of the sun. Adorn your mantelpiece with pure natural candles, in hand carved pewter bases (pricey) and allow the fragrances of orange blossom and lavender to invigorate the room. Candles are an expression of heat, strength and increasing vitality for the forthcoming season, so place them around your room in abundance. Paraffin candles release toxins when they burn, and can stain the paint on your walls. "Eco" candles are made with soy wax, which is biodegradable and shouldn't leave sooty marks on the paintwork. Each one is hand-poured and gives off a beguiling range of fragrances. They are boxed in various sets of three, for example, "Beloved Spice", containing Mexican Cocoa, Roman Frankincense and Zanzibar Cinnamon. Although small, each candle lasts for up to twenty-five hours, with no hint of the brown smoke given off by paraffin candles.

Setting the Table
The Winter Solstice is a time to gather friends and family around the table and enjoy a feast. Witches use flowering tree branches as a festive decoration. Branches are cut on 28th November (the feast day of Sophia, the Greek goddess of wisdom), then immersed in lukewarm water, encouraging them to bud a sign of hope. Add flowering branches in vases to your table dcor, or choose winter arrangements, such as fresh lilies, amaryllis or a mixed bouquet. Dependent on your budget, there is a vast range of new age tableware and decorations available. These might include such items as:
  • Table runner
  • Wine glasses
  • Napkins
  • Napkin rings
  • Candelabrum
  • Coloured glasses
  • Scented pillar candles
  • Porcelain dinner service
  • Tall vase
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