Cosmic Unicorns is committed to bringing more diverse, inclusive, and empoweringbooks to the world’s bookshelves. We go to great lengths to make sure the books and products we’re recommending are AWESOME and fit our affirming criteria. These children’s books about Yule and Winter Solstice may contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission if you purchase from my link, at no additional cost to you.
Yule – the celebration of the Winter Solstice
Yule is a holiday celebrated by many cultures, both ancient and modern, as a time of honoring the rebirth of the Sun. Aside from that, Yule is a great way of paying respects to each other by practicing the act of gift-giving and merrymaking. Falling on December 21st, Yule is a holiday that holds a special place in the hearts of many. As it takes place on the winter solstice, many families unite during the longest night on Earth to eagerly await the return of light, hope, and new promise.
What to know about Yule customs and celebrations
Yule incorporates many aspects of the natural world and is based in ancient pagan celebrations. Bonfires, Yule log, mistletoe, the boughs of evergreen trees, and gift-giving became an inevitable part of this tradition. In Germanic legends, wreaths of evergreens are hung as a symbol of Holda, the goddess of winter, who brings presents to children who have been good. In addition, a traditional Yule log can be seen in the majority of households during this time. The sound of the oak log in the fireplace slowly crackling throughout the night, brings a sense of warmth and benevolence.
The importance of teaching your children about Yule and Winter Solstice
Reading about the customs and traditions of Yule can help children know the true meaning of unity which brings a sense of belonging and hope for a brighter day. Since gift-giving is a very important part of the tradition, children can learn how to incorporate empathy for others. Check out the list below for diverse stories about Yule and the Winter Solstice:
1. The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice by: Wendy Pfeffer
Inquisitiveness is one of the essential traits that children need to develop from the start. If you always find your child asking you a plethora of questions and eagerly waiting for your answer, then rest assured that you have a future book aficionado in the family. The first snow, the sparkling snowflakes, and days that all of a sudden become clouded by night. By reading this book, your child can easily gain insight into what happens at the beginning of the winter.
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2. Rupert’s Tales: The Wheel of the Year – Samhain, Yule, Imbolc, and Ostara by Kyrja
What better way to teach your children about the importance of acceptance and tolerance? A great answer is through adventurous tales about how people celebrate different seasonal holidays. Rupert the rabbit, the protagonist of this exciting book, will easily guide your children through the seasons of Samhain, Yule, Imbolc, and Ostara. Also, and teach them about different customs and how they work to bring love and happiness to their families.
3. Yule: A Celebration of Light and Warmth by Dorothy Morrison
The Yuletide season always brings a special kind of magic with it, regardless of where you are. This book gives a fascinating insight into the myth, legend, lore, and spells of the winter solstice. From the history of Yule to learning how to create crafts and different kinds of food, this guidebook is a must-have. It will definitely improve both your child’s thinking and creative skills.
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4. The Legend of the Icelandic Yule Lads by Heidi Herman
The art of gift-giving is one of the vital parts of the Yule tradition. But why not teach your children its importance through a fun tale about the friendship of a troll and a human boy? After being seen by a shepherd boy, Stekkjastaur gives the boy a gift to keep him from revealing his identity. Slowly, he realizes that his act of giving gifts to keep the boy silent actually brings a sense of happiness. That is when he learns that the very act of giving and making somebody happy is what sparks the greatest joy in a person.
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5. Grandmother Spider Brings the Sun: A Cherokee Story by Geri Keams and James Bernadin
This adorably-illustrated book can be a great introduction to folklore and customs for the youngest. It retells a traditional Cherokee story of Grandmother Spider and how she managed to succeed in bringing light to the animals. These animals lived in the darkness for a very long time. It teaches the importance of how one person’s ambition to save the world can be carried out if we decide to work in unison.
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Conclusion:
Cosmic Unicorns believes that in order to create a more diverse, inclusive, and empowering world for our children we need to educate them about cultures, beliefs, and practices other than our own. In addition to the awesome Yule and Winter Solstice books shared above, your little unicorn will LOVE a personalized adventure book of their own for a holiday gift, birthday gift, or just because gift! Customize your own today at cosmicunicorns.com
See the entire book list at Bookshop.com https://bookshop.org/lists/5-awesome-children-s-books-about-yule-and-winter-solstice
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