Last Tuesday was the day of the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, after which we're of course slowly, very slowly, gaining a few seconds of daylight each day.
The Pagan celebration of Winter Solstice (also known as Yule) and the return of the light is one of the oldest winter celebrations in the world, when pagans keep a fire burning and light shining until the sun rises, light bonfires, tell stories and drink sweet ale.

Following that tradition, I tried my hand this year in setting up a Yule altar, incorporating various items that have a special significance for this celebration.

Evergreen boughs like fir, juniper and cedar are typically associated with themes of protection and prosperity, as well as that of a continuation of life and renewal and sprigs of holly ensure good luck and safety to your family.
Gold discs, yellow candles, anything bright and shiny as well as fresh round fruit like oranges and apples can represent the sun.

 

The white of snowflakes and stars signify purification or your own spiritual development, and red indicates prosperity.
Winter nuts symbolize the sleeping seeds of Mother Earth and last but not least the stag or reindeer, who represents regrowth and rebirth, as deer routinely shed their antlers each year to replace them with new ones.

Of course a lot of these 'decorations' are very similar to setting up a christmas tree, decking the halls with boughs of holly and celebrate with familie and friends, good food and wine.
For me, as a non-believer, I very much enjoy celebrating the Solstice as 'the reason for the season' !

Talking about bringing back the light, we went for a drive on Wednesday evening to see Newberg's christmas-lights following a light-route of festive houses:

They do take their lights serious in this town!

           

I've seen some large 'Grinch's, but this one was really huge! And yes, that Santa was 'mooning' us!
And how about this house on a street one block away from the golf course:

They must be golfers!

We didn't participate in the scavenger hunt, for which you had to collect stamps at certain houses, but it was a lot of fun seeing all the festive lights. It certainly got us 'in the spirit'!

Here's some more fun, which happens on a daily base right outside my very own window:

Whenever the squirrels run out of their 'own' food (peanuts and corn) they try to raid the bird feeders. It's quite hilarious to watch their antics ..

                           

And many afternoons our backyard is the scene of yet another world-record attempt at how many Titmice can hang on a suet feeder ..

  Unfortunately the jury has a hard time keeping track ...

Also, I think I'm done with all my christmas-cookie baking. There's enough to give some away, and more than enough left for the two of us to last us to New Year!

 

So, there you have it, soon it will be Christmas, and seeing the forecast I still have some hopes for a white one, or at least for a white 'second' christmas day!

Keeping my fingers crossed!