Yule: Saints of Light
In the darkest time, we celebrate saints who brought light - Nicholas with his secret gifts, Lucia with her crown of candles. We learn that even small lights shine bright in darkness.
UU Principle Focus
3rd Principle: Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth
We accept many traditions of light and giving, learning from saints of different cultures and times.
Learning Goals
Language Arts
- • Read biographies and legends
- • Compare and contrast traditions
- • Write thank-you notes
- • Create poems and stories
Math
- • Multiplication by 7s
- • Multiplication by 8s
- • Multiplication by 9s
- • Review all facts 2-9
Form Drawing
- • Snowflake symmetry
- • Crown and candle forms
- • Evergreen forms
- • Sun wheel spirals
Social-Emotional
- • Secret giving
- • Bringing light to others
- • Gratitude and thanks
- • Rest and renewal
Weekly Lessons
Week 1: Saint Nicholas
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Darkness deepens. What light do we carry inside? How can we give secretly like Nicholas?
📖 Language Arts
The real Saint Nicholas - reading biography. Compare legend to modern Santa
🔢 Math
Multiplication by 7s - skip counting. Seven days of giving
🌿 Science & Nature
Winter weather - snow formation, ice crystals, temperature
✏️ Form Drawing
Snowflake forms - six-fold symmetry
🧶 Handwork
Secret gift making, shoe decorating for St. Nicholas Day
📚 Story
The Legend of Saint Nicholas
📺 "Just Can't" Day Alternatives
Videos:
- Saint Nicholas documentary
- How snowflakes form
Shows:
- The real Santa Claus
Audiobooks:
- Saint Nicholas stories
Week 2: Saint Lucia
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Lucia means 'light.' How do we bring light to dark times?
📖 Language Arts
Swedish traditions - Lucia Day. Write about bringing light to others
🔢 Math
Multiplication by 8s - skip counting. Eight candles on Lucia crown
🌿 Science & Nature
Light in darkness - candles, fire safety, why we need light
✏️ Form Drawing
Crown and candle forms - circles with radiating lines
🧶 Handwork
Lucia crown making, beeswax candle rolling, star boys wands
📚 Story
The Legend of Saint Lucia
📺 "Just Can't" Day Alternatives
Videos:
- Saint Lucia Day celebrations
- Swedish traditions
Shows:
- Light festivals around the world
Audiobooks:
- Lucia stories
Week 3: The Giving Season
🕯️ Hearth Circle
What gifts can we give that don't cost money? Time, help, kindness, love.
📖 Language Arts
Writing thank-you notes. Creating gift coupons for family
🔢 Math
Multiplication by 9s - skip counting. Nine gifts to give
🌿 Science & Nature
Evergreen trees - why they stay green, symbolism of eternal life
✏️ Form Drawing
Evergreen and wreath forms - triangles and circles
🧶 Handwork
Handmade gifts, wreath making, ornament crafts
📚 Story
The Gift of the Magi (simplified) or giving legends
📺 "Just Can't" Day Alternatives
Videos:
- Gift of the Magi animated
- Handmade gift ideas
Shows:
- Holiday traditions worldwide
Audiobooks:
- Stories about giving
Week 4: Winter Solstice
🕯️ Hearth Circle
The longest night. We wait for the sun's return. What do we hope for?
📖 Language Arts
Solstice traditions around the world. Compare and contrast celebrations
🔢 Math
Review multiplication 2-9. Solstice math - shortest day, longest night
🌿 Science & Nature
Winter solstice - Earth's tilt, why days get shorter then longer
✏️ Form Drawing
Sun wheel forms - spirals of light returning
🧶 Handwork
Yule log decoration, sun catchers, spiral crafts
📚 Story
Why the Sun Returns - solstice myths from many cultures
📺 "Just Can't" Day Alternatives
Videos:
- Winter solstice explained
- Yule traditions
Shows:
- Solstice celebrations worldwide
Audiobooks:
- Solstice stories
Week 5: Yule Celebration
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Yule ritual - Yule log, candle lighting, welcoming the returning sun
📖 Language Arts
Write a solstice poem or story. Create a winter holiday book
🔢 Math
Multiplication review games. Holiday math puzzles
🌿 Science & Nature
Animal survival in winter - hibernation, migration, adaptation
✏️ Form Drawing
Create a Yule border combining all winter forms
🧶 Handwork
Complete handmade gifts, Yule feast preparation
📚 Story
Student shares their solstice story or poem
📺 "Just Can't" Day Alternatives
Videos:
- Yule celebration videos
- Animals in winter
Shows:
- How animals survive winter
Audiobooks:
- Winter story collections
Week 6: Rest & Renewal (Winter Break)
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Gentle daily candle lighting. Share one good thing from each day.
📖 Language Arts
Free reading time. Winter journals. Letter writing to family
🔢 Math
Math games and puzzles. No formal lessons - play-based review
🌿 Science & Nature
Nature walks - animal tracks, winter birds, ice and frost
✏️ Form Drawing
Free drawing and art time
🧶 Handwork
Free craft time with new supplies
📚 Story
Family choice - favorite winter tales
📺 "Just Can't" Day Alternatives
Videos:
- Favorite holiday movies
- Cozy winter stories
Shows:
- Planet Earth: Winter
Audiobooks:
- Any favorites - rest week!
🕯️ Yule Celebration Ideas
- • Decorate and burn a Yule log
- • Stay up to welcome the sunrise on solstice morning
- • Make evergreen wreaths and garlands
- • Create handmade gifts for family members
- • Do a spiral walk with candles
- • Leave offerings for wildlife - seeds, suet, water
- • Celebrate Saint Nicholas Day (Dec 6) and Saint Lucia Day (Dec 13)
- • Ring bells at dawn to welcome the returning sun