Yule: A Celebration of Light & Warmth by Dorothy Morrison

This is a fun book that looks at the many traditions and activities around the world that take place at the time of  midwinter in all its guises. It includes the symbolism around the evergreen leaves we use to decorate our homes, the Santa Claus myths (not forgetting the reindeer of course), wassail, ornaments, plus the various festivals celebrated at this time such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Yule. Quirky customs such as the Christmas camel in Syria to the roller skating in Venezuela and the burning bush in Iraq, as well as the strange beasties from around the world all add colour to the season

The book is neatly laid out in sections that look at the history and folklore, preparations and decor and the modern day celebrations that include all the feasting and partying. The last section includes something to do on every day of December in an attempt to create your own traditions.

The inclusion of recipes, from pecan praline to Spanish turkey soup, are a nice touch, and make this a reference book for the practical crafts we can indulge in at this time of year. Bear in mind that Yule isn't particularly focused on the history aspect of midwinter  but rather a modern-day pagan approach to celebrating light and warmth festivals. This is undoubtedly a new age festive book with broad appeal.

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Published by Llewellyn Publications on 1 September 2000.