Those Who Celebrate Yule, Do You...?

Question

exchange gifts during that evening or do you leave that for Christmas day (if you celebrate both)?

This will be our first Yule celebration and since we have young children as well I was wondering if that is something pretty common to do or not.

I like the idea of giving a gift to my young boys, like a homemade snowflake ornament or something along those lines.
I havent seen anything yet to say if some do it this way or not so I thought Id ask and get some ideas and opinions.

TIA!!!!!

P.S. Please refrain from bashing...to each his own.

I appreciate all the real responses. My family is Christian but we live far enough away we wont be celebrating with them this year. Its just my hubby and sons.
But because my family is Christian I do intend to incorporate Christmas in as well to honor them in a way..kwim?

Answer 1

We like to give small presents at Yule and save some things for Christmas, which everyone in my family celebrates.

I like to bake cookies and decorate them with my kids. We read stories and celebrate with a feast.

You can do things whichever way you are comfortable with.

Answer 2

I think gift giving has evolved over time. Our family used to gather at my g'prnts on Xmas Eve, exchange a present, then do the rest the next day. Now our family has become larger and we all live far enough away that we do the present thing with extended family there on Xmas Eve and close relatives the next day.
Since the actual date of the Solstice is the 21st, I'd do at least a card on that day. I still work around my family's different beliefs. But for those who know better (or will admit it), I'd do at least one present exchange that day.

Answer 3

We do the santa and most presents on Christmas because it's the day that everyone has the day off work. But we celebrate our blots and such on the days of OUR faith. I see Christmas as secular. It is an opportunity to teach my kids about other faith though, so I use it. All lore in all faiths is intereseting.
We will celebrate Mothers Night with kindren, Soltics with an eclectic pagan group who are curious about Heathenism so we'll do a Freyblot and sumbel as well as oathing on the sun wreath and all that jazz. But my daughter is also exposed to all pagan paths as well.
My kids will be super educated on faiths LOL

Answer 4

Well I'm the only pagan in my family, so I basically do my own thing for Yule, but we always exchange gifts on Christmas morning.

Answer 5

We go to circle on Yule and exchange gifts on Christmas... (if only because the rest of the family is Christian and it makes things more comfortable for them.)

Answer 6

I always celebrate Yule on my own and then Christmas with the rest of my family.

Answer 7

I usually celebrate on my own for the Solstice and then spend the 25th with Christian relatives. If I had kids, I'd spread it all out to maximize the holiday.

You can celebrate a Sabbat up to three days before. the day of, or three days after, so you have a lot of flexibility in there.

Answer 8

That's cool you are celebrating. My husband and I are going to start this year. I think it will be a wonderful tradition for our family. I don't think gifts need to be exchanged, so whatever you guys want to do with your family should be fine.

Answer 9

Small kinfolk unites for the trip. Board video games, yuletide movies, egg nog, commencing off supplies at my better half's mom's domicile on the eve. supplies at my domicile yuletide am and a dinner occasion with a ham interior the afternoon. procuring the day after !

Answer 10

I celebrate both, plus Hanukkah (new this year) though I'll probably be celebrating the latter after I get my menorah for christmas.

:)