The Tides of the Yule Tide

Yule tide is not, in fact, a Christmas tradition. Did you know that? In fact, it is celebrated on December 21st. It is the return of light after the darkest part of the year. It is the celebration of the end of the year, and the birth of a new one. To return to longer, lighter days.  

This Christmas season, as I listen to yule tide carols and see the lights on houses and the whole of the holiday season, I have been thinking a lot about the return of light in the dark. This Christmas eve was a lot more tide, and a lot less yule for me. It was, perhaps, the first time in my life that we were not celebrating the eve holiday with one of the sides of the family. See, usually on Christmas eve, we are at my grandparents' house. It is loud, chaotic, and so much fun.  

Usually, I am annoying my uncles and playing Scattegories and talking about things we did as kids that make my grandmother cringe. We are talking loudly, laughing, and catching up on everything we might have missed during the year. We are eating food that is more finger food than anything else, but still fun to eat, and there is so much of it that we are full all the same.  

Then we have our white elephant gift exchange and the entire time we talk nonsense to each other and try to steal each other's gifts.  

This is all well and good, usually.  

This is the first year that my grandma and Pappy are no longer with us. I no longer get my Sunday calls with Pappy, and no one is getting together for Christmas. What an odd feeling it is.  

Still, I can’t stop thinking of the Yule Tide. Longer, brighter days. Days of sunlight, New year, new beginnings. All this and a reflection of the past year. What could I do differently this year? What have I accomplished? What did I miss?  

With so many thoughts and questions, I wondered where to start. I am proud to say that though I haven’t lined everything out yet, I have a few things that I know for certain. 

The Obligatory New Year Resolutions 

Christmas time is also when people talk about their new year resolutions. People resolve to lose weight, get healthy, and do the things they promised themselves last year. I resolve to do the things that bring me light. I resolve to take time. And I resolve to make plans and execute them.  

1. Do the things that bring me light. - I want to do things that make me happy. Spend more time with my sister and mother. Call my family more and have more time for fun. What is fun? Painting, writing, and basically creating whatever it is I am in the mood to create.  

2. Take time. - You know, I was just having this conversation with a friend this Christmas eve. We talked about how I needed time to not have lists and to do whatever it is I wanted to do in the moment. I haven’t done that very often. I always feel like there is something that should be done. I know most of us feel that way, but honestly, sometimes you just need to take time.  

3. Make plans and execute them. - Anyone who knows me knows I like my lists. I love making lists. I love planners and journals and knowing what it is I should do and when. I plan to continue this, and to keep up with it. I heard a quote from a class I am taking that said, “Hustle beats talent when talent doesn’t hustle.” As an actor, writer, and creator, I felt this. I can’t rely on talent alone, and neither can you. We should have plans and goals. This is the only way to ensure that what we want comes to fruition. So, keep an eye out for my new planner and enjoy hustling while we can!  

   
   

See the truth is that we can reflect all we want. But the past is gone. We can’t do anything about it. What we can do is make sure that each day is a better day than the one before. We may not be motivated every day, but we can be disciplined.  

Yule Tide 

The Christmas season is a great and terrible thing. There are so many holidays and events that happen that sometimes it can be overwhelming. I know I feel like that, sometimes. But all you really have to do this season is look around. There is so much magic in the air and beauty this season. If you are somewhere cold, look at the snow. Look at the white world around you and imagine, even if just for a moment, that you really can see the North Pole in all its splendor. What do you see? Is it full of glitter and rosy cheeks? If you are in a warmer place, do people seem happier? What about the lights on the houses and luminarias? I always think of my aunt’s Christmas cookies and wearing pajamas all day for Christmas.  

There are many traditions in the world. I hope to hear some of yours. And know that even though this season has a rise and fall of tides, that we are nearing the end of the dark, and entering a new and brighter time.  

Merry Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, and any other holiday you prefer. Happy... all the things.