Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

3 Pagans and a Cat

Home
Pagan
Yuleing: Bringing Light Into The Darkness Through Gifting

Yuleing: Bringing Light Into The Darkness Through Gifting

Last updated on: December 7, 2020 at 6:34 pm by Gwyn

Yuleing: Bringing Light Into The Darkness Through Gifting 2020-12-07T18:34:01-04:00 Gwyn

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Three years ago, when my family and I began our 3 Pagans and a Cat podcast, we got the idea to start something we call the 3 PaaC Yuleing. Basically, it is a gift exchange between listeners who choose to sign up (penpal style). The participants send their partner a gift, a $5 suggested price inspired by a profile filled out during sign-up.

And it has been successful! In the first year, we had about forty listeners (give or take) sharing gifts with one another. This year, it was over one hundred. The excitement is on display in both our Facebook and Discord groups.

The 3 PaaC Yuling (now a podcast tradition) seems to bring a lot of joy to the folks who’ve signed up. Many of whom choose to make a gift to reflect the spiritual/magickal path of their partner. Providing an extra “holiday adrenaline rush” or burst of Yule creativity (as one listener has shared with us) that comes with making or sharing a gift this time of year.

Image by yvettefang0604 via pixabay.com

Yuling: Shining A Light Into The Darkness

Now, you may have guessed I’m not simply promoting our version of Secret Santa. To be sure, many folks enjoy giving a gift to spouse, kids, family, or friends. When I had a regular 9 to 5, making sure my colleagues got a holiday card and candy cane (or dollar store “something”) was my thing. But there is a strange sense of fun that comes along with a “Secret Santa” exchange or at least that’s always been the way it’s seemed to me. Or perhaps it is just being able to do something nice for someone else?

This year, with all the difficulties of the pandemic, protests, and hostile politics, it seems people need this opportunity a little bit more. In fact, I believe that holidays are more important this year for this reason. Because so many people are unable to be with friends or family. We have to pivot, adjust our traditions (and expectations) to match our current situation.

As a result, some people may choose to shine a bit of light into the darkness that has been 2020. For many, the 3PaaC Yuling (secret gift-giving) is what allows them to focus their holiday energy in a new way, to extend their current circle of friends and family for a short while. Perhaps it even offers a sense of accomplishment by putting crafting skills to work that may have gone dormant.

Image by monicore via pixabay.com

Yuling: Other Ways To Shine

Now, does one have to participate in a secret gift exchange (via mail or otherwise) to make that happen? No. But people can find other ways to do so by performing random acts of kindness, donating toys or food to organizations that offer struggling families during the holidays. In fact, here are some suggestions to consider as part of your own Yuleing and/or Christmas celebrations this year (or next):

Toys for Tots

Christmas Spirit Foundation

Feeding America — Holiday

Even if it is too late to donate or give to holiday programs that benefit families this year, maybe there is something closer to home. Wassail the trees in your neighborhood or carol the neighbors with the more secular songs available (be safe, mask up, and social distance). Be a Secret Santa to co-workers (even if it’s unofficial), friends, or neighbors who are away from family. Whatever you do, shine a light into the darkness as you put flame to a candle for Yule. Who knows the joy you may bring in the process.

About Gwyn

Gwyn is one of the hosts of 3 Pagans and a Cat, a podcast about the questions and discussions between three pagan family members, each exploring different pagan paths and how their various traditions can intersect. The most practiced pagan on the path, Gwyn is a Green Earth Witch devoted to the Earth Mother, Hekate, Brighid, and Frigga. She is a Clairsentient Medium, Tarot Reader, loves writing and, spending time with her family, as well as working with herbs, essential oils, and plants. You can read more about the author here.

Previous Post

December 4, 2020

Review: Grimoire --A Personal & Magical Record

Next Post

December 9, 2020 Yule: Sharing Cookie Recipes As A Holiday Tradition

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Uncategorized

Select a Month January 2024 November 2023 October 2023 September 2023 February 2023 September 2022 June 2022 April 2022 March 2022 February 2022 January 2022 October 2021 September 2021 July 2021 June 2021 May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Which foreign woman married King Ahab and promoted Baal worship in Israel?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Tamar Athaliah Jezebel Rahab