Many of the symbols and motifs associated with the modern holiday of Christmas are derived from traditional pagan northern European Yule celebrations. The burning of the Yule log, the decorating of Christmas trees, the eating of ham, the hanging of boughs, holly, mistletoe, etc. are all historical practices associated with Yule. Of course today many of us would rather eat a Yule Log than burn it. When the Christianizing of the Germanic peoples began, missionaries found it convenient to provide a Christian interpretation of popular pagan holidays such as Yule and allow the celebrations themselves to go on largely unchanged, versus trying to confront and suppress them.
Pope Gregory I, or Gregory the Great (c. 540 – March 12, 604), suggested that converting heathens would go easier if they were allowed to retain the outward forms of their traditional pagan practices and traditions, while recasting those traditions spiritually toward the Christian God instead of to their pagan Gods, thought to be devils.
In general, many Wiccan groups prefer to use several sources of information on winter solstice holidays to recreate a type of Yule holiday. While the name “Yule” is used, it is not a reconstruction of the historical holiday. Wreaths, Yule logs, decoration of trees, decorating with mistletoe, holly, and ivy, exchanges of gifts are incorporated and held sacred.
The return of the Sun as Frey is commemorated in some groups. In most Wiccan Temples or Covens, this holiday is also celebrated as the rebirth of the Great God, who is viewed as the newborn solstice sun. However, due to the eclectic nature of modern Wicca, many non-traditional Solstice stories or ideas are incorporated or substituted.
