Yule is here, witches! That magical time when the sun starts its comeback tour after the longest night of the year. While most people are lost in Christmas chaos or drifting through that strange “week that doesn’t exist” between Christmas and New Year’s, Yule gives us something deeper—12 days to reflect, release, and reset. From December 21st to January 1st, it’s your chance to sit with the year, honor what’s happened (the good, the bad, and the holy-shit-what-was-that?), and prepare for what’s coming next.

And let me tell you, this year has been a ride. I’m not talking a cute little rollercoaster—I’m talking full-on tilt-a-whirl chaos. Some of the best and worst things have happened, and frankly, I haven’t had a second to sit with it all. But Yule is here to change that. So grab your mug of cider, your sage stick, and maybe a match or two (more on that later), because it’s time to reflect, release, and rebuild.

Reflect: What the Hell Happened This Year?

Let’s start with the obvious: it’s been A YEAR. Major upheavals, plot twists, and moments that made me want to crawl into bed until the money fairies took over (wouldn’t that be nice?). Just this weekend, I spent two days mostly in bed recovering from a panic attack. Raw moment here: I wanted to give up. Like, “wake me when it’s summer” vibes. But life, unfortunately, isn’t a Nora Roberts novel, and those money fairies are apparently booked.

Fast-forward to Monday morning. I’m at my desk, firing off financial statements to a nonprofit I work with when BAM—an auto-message pops up. One of my favorite collaborators, someone I value deeply, is stepping down. I just sat there, staring at the screen, feeling that cold spike of “oh shit, more changes are coming.” My first instinct? Worry twice—once now, once later. Spoiler alert: worrying twice solves nothing.

So instead, I leaned into reflection. What really happened this year? What have I gained, lost, learned, and carried forward? Reflection isn’t about wallowing—it’s about acknowledgment. The year might have been a tornado, but there’s power in looking it in the eye and saying, “I see you.”

Release: Burn That Sh*t

Yule isn’t just about looking back—it’s about letting go. This weekend, when I managed to drag myself out of bed, I started Yule off with a little fire magic. I grabbed a piece of paper and wrote down all my worries—every damn one of them. On another, I scribbled my wishes for the year ahead. Then I lit those babies on fire and let them go. Watching them burn felt like a reset button for my soul.

Here’s the thing about releasing: it’s not a one-and-done. When those dark hooks of stress tried to pull me back under later, I reminded myself, Hey, you already released this. And instead of spiraling, I focused on healing my body. Today, I’ll do it again—write, burn, release. Because sometimes, you have to keep clearing the same weeds until the soil is ready for something new.

Pro tip: If you’re releasing during Yule, add a little ritual to it. Light a candle, set some intentions, and let the fire work its magic. Bonus points if you sage the hell out of your space afterward. (Trust me, nothing feels better than a freshly saged home.)

Rebuild: What Comes Next?

Once you’ve cleared the old, it’s time to focus on what you want to grow. For me, this Yule season is all about softness, quiet, and healing. I’m not charging into the new year guns blazing—I’m setting a foundation, brick by brick, for what’s to come.

One of my favorite ways to rebuild is by vision boarding. (Yes, it’s a little witchy Pinterest moment, and I’m not sorry about it.) I’ve already planned a crafting party for the new year to create a fresh vision board that’s aligned with what I want to manifest. It’s not just about pretty pictures—it’s about intention. What do I want to feel, create, and achieve in 2025? That’s what goes on the board.

If you’re rebuilding during Yule, think about what you want your next chapter to look like. Don’t just focus on goals—focus on energy. Do you want peace, passion, abundance, or all three? Write it down, say it out loud, and take one small step to set it in motion.

Embracing the Magic of Yule

This Yule season, I’m keeping it simple. Reflection, release, and rebuilding don’t have to be elaborate—they just have to be intentional. Whether it’s journaling, meditating, or burning your worries to ash, find what feels right for you. And if life feels too heavy right now, remember: the sun is coming back. The longest night is over, and the light is growing.

So here’s to a soft, quiet Yule filled with healing, magic, and maybe a little sass. Let’s sage the fuck out of our spaces, light the candles, and prepare to build something amazing in the year ahead. The magic’s already in you—Yule just helps you bring it to light.