Yule: Light in Darkness & The World Tree
In the darkest time of year, we explore Yggdrasil, the Norns, and the magic of the returning light.
UU Principle Focus
1st Principle: The inherent worth and dignity of every person
🎯 Learning Goals
- • Understand Yggdrasil and its role in connecting the Nine Worlds
- • Meet the Norns and explore concepts of fate and free will
- • Learn to multiply and divide fractions
- • Study winter constellations and solstice science
- • Explore winter animal adaptations and survival strategies
- • Celebrate the return of the light and set intentions for the new year
Weekly Lessons
Week 1: The Long Night & Yggdrasil
🕯️ Hearth Circle
The days are shortest now. How does darkness help us rest and reflect? What grows in the quiet?
📚 Language Arts
Deep dive into Yggdrasil—the World Tree that connects all realms. Write about connections in your own life.
✖️ Math
Multiplying fractions by whole numbers: 3 × 1/4 = 3/4. Connect to dividing Yule gifts.
🗺️ Science & Geography
Winter animals: How do animals survive the cold? Adaptations for winter.
✏️ Form Drawing
Tree of Life patterns—Yggdrasil with roots and branches
🧶 Handwork
Begin Yule gifts—knitted items, handmade cards, crafts
📖 Story
Yggdrasil and the Creatures Who Live There
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Yggdrasil Explained
- Winter Animal Adaptations
Shows:
- Trees: Giants of the Forest
Audio:
- Norse Mythology—World Tree
Week 2: The Norns—Weavers of Fate
🕯️ Hearth Circle
The Norns weave the fate of all beings. Do you believe in fate, or do we create our own destiny?
📚 Language Arts
Read about Urd, Verdandi, and Skuld—past, present, and future. Write about your own past, present, and hopes for the future.
✖️ Math
Continue multiplying fractions. Create fraction problems about weaving and threads.
🗺️ Science & Geography
Constellations visible in winter. Learn to identify Orion, the Big Dipper, Polaris.
✏️ Form Drawing
Weaving patterns—interlaced threads of fate
🧶 Handwork
Simple weaving project; continue Yule gifts
📖 Story
The Norns at the Well of Urd
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- The Norns Explained
- Winter Constellations
Shows:
- Stars and Mythology
Audio:
- Fate in Norse Mythology
Week 3: Freya—Goddess of Love and Magic
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Freya chose half the fallen warriors for her hall. What does it mean to value courage and love equally?
📚 Language Arts
Read about Freya, her falcon cloak, and the Brísingamen necklace. Write about something precious to you.
✖️ Math
Word problems with fractions: sharing Yule feast portions, dividing gifts equally.
🗺️ Science & Geography
Cats in nature (Freya's chariot is pulled by cats). Study wild cats and domestic cats.
✏️ Form Drawing
Necklace and jewelry patterns—circles and links
🧶 Handwork
Make simple jewelry or beaded crafts
📖 Story
Freya and the Brísingamen
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Freya Norse Goddess
- Wild Cats Documentary
Shows:
- Cats: Nature's Perfect Predator
Audio:
- Goddess Stories
Week 4: The Wild Hunt
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Odin leads the Wild Hunt across the winter sky. What do you imagine when you hear the wind howl?
📚 Language Arts
Read about the Wild Hunt—Odin's ghostly riders. Write a winter storm story or poem.
✖️ Math
Review multiplication of fractions. Introduce simple division of fractions.
🗺️ Science & Geography
Winter weather: How do storms form? Track local weather patterns.
✏️ Form Drawing
Wind and movement patterns—swirling, dynamic lines
🧶 Handwork
Storm-themed art; wind chimes or mobiles
📖 Story
Odin and the Wild Hunt
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- The Wild Hunt Legend
- How Storms Form
Shows:
- Winter Storms
Audio:
- Odin stories
Week 5: Yule—The Return of the Light
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Tonight is the longest night, but tomorrow the light returns. What light do you carry inside you?
📚 Language Arts
Write about hope and renewal. Create Yule cards with blessings for family and friends.
✖️ Math
Fraction review and games. Calculate portions for Yule feast recipes.
🗺️ Science & Geography
Winter solstice science: Why do days get longer after Yule? Earth's tilt and orbit.
✏️ Form Drawing
Sun wheel patterns—celebrating the returning light
🧶 Handwork
Finish Yule gifts; make sun wheel decorations
📖 Story
The Return of the Sun—Yule traditions
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Winter Solstice Explained
- Yule Traditions
Shows:
- Solstice Celebrations
Audio:
- Winter holiday stories
Week 6: New Year—New Beginnings
🕯️ Hearth Circle
A new year begins. What do you want to grow in the coming year? What seeds will you plant?
📚 Language Arts
Write New Year intentions and goals. Reflect on the year past and the year ahead.
✖️ Math
Year-end review: fractions, measurement, multiplication. Math games and challenges.
🗺️ Science & Geography
Complete winter animal study. How do animals know when spring is coming?
✏️ Form Drawing
Spiral patterns—the cycle of the year
🧶 Handwork
Create a vision board or intention craft for the new year
📖 Story
Stories of new beginnings from many cultures
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- New Year Traditions
- Animal Instincts
Shows:
- The Cycle of Seasons
Audio:
- Stories of hope and renewal
🕯️ Yule Celebration
- 🟡 Burn a Yule log and make wishes for the coming year
- 🟡 Decorate with evergreens, holly, and mistletoe
- 🟡 Exchange handmade gifts with family
- 🟡 Hold a candlelit vigil on the longest night
- 🟡 Feast together and share stories of the gods
- 🟡 Welcome the returning sun with songs and celebration