Yule: Darkness & Returning Light
At the winter solstice, we celebrate the return of the light. In the darkest time, we find hope, practice generosity, and honor the need for rest.
UU Principle Focus
1st Principle: The inherent worth and dignity of every person
Every person carries inner light. We honor the light within ourselves and others, especially during dark times.
Learning Goals
Language Arts
- • Recognize letters N, O, P, Q, R
- • Express gratitude and wishes
- • Create simple cards with words
Math
- • Count backward from 10
- • Recognize basic shapes
- • Simple addition concepts
Science & Nature
- • Understand solstice and light
- • Compare evergreen/deciduous
- • Learn winter animal adaptations
Social-Emotional
- • Practice generosity and giving
- • Find hope in difficult times
- • Value rest and quiet
Weekly Lessons
Week 1: Darkness Deepens
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Light one candle in darkness. Notice how precious light becomes when it's scarce.
📖 Language Arts
Letter N - Night, North, Nest. N words about winter and rest
🔢 Math
Counting backward from 10. Advent/countdown concepts
🌿 Science & Nature
Why is it getting so dark? Track sunset times. Shortest days coming.
🎨 Art & Handwork
Night sky paintings with stars, constellation crafts
🏃 Movement
Hibernation yoga - curl up like sleeping animals, slow movements
📚 Story Time
The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper
📺 "Just Can't" Day Alternatives
Videos:
- Sesame Street: Letter N
- StoryBots: Night Time
Shows:
- National Geographic: Animals in Winter
Audiobooks:
- The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper
Week 2: Waiting for Light
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Add a candle each day. Talk about patience and hope in dark times.
📖 Language Arts
Letter O - Oh! Open, Orange (flame). O words about wonder
🔢 Math
Counting candles, days until solstice. Calendar skills
🌿 Science & Nature
Winter solstice approaching - the sun's journey. Why days get shorter.
🎨 Art & Handwork
Advent spiral craft, paper lanterns, star windows
🏃 Movement
Candle dance - move carefully while balancing (pretend) candle
📚 Story Time
The Return of the Light by Carolyn McVickar Edwards
📺 "Just Can't" Day Alternatives
Videos:
- Sesame Street: Letter O
- Cosmic Kids: Winter Yoga
Shows:
- Magic School Bus: Gets Lost in Space (sun)
Audiobooks:
- Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson
Week 3: Evergreen Magic
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Why do some trees stay green? Discuss hope and things that endure.
📖 Language Arts
Letter P - Pine, Peace, Present. P words about giving and nature
🔢 Math
Shapes - circles (wreaths), triangles (trees), stars
🌿 Science & Nature
Evergreen vs deciduous trees. Why don't they lose needles?
🎨 Art & Handwork
Pinecone bird feeders, evergreen wreaths, nature ornaments
🏃 Movement
Tree pose - be an evergreen standing tall in winter wind
📚 Story Time
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
📺 "Just Can't" Day Alternatives
Videos:
- Sesame Street: Letter P
- Wild Kratts: Evergreen episode
Shows:
- Nature: Winter trees
Audiobooks:
- The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
Week 4: Gifts of the Heart
🕯️ Hearth Circle
What gifts can we give that don't cost money? Kindness, help, love, time.
📖 Language Arts
Letter Q - Quiet, Quilt, Quality time. Q words about togetherness
🔢 Math
Simple addition with gifts - if I give 2 and you give 1...
🌿 Science & Nature
How do animals survive winter? Food storage, body changes, helping each other
🎨 Art & Handwork
Handmade gifts - cards, ornaments, coupon books, art for family
🏃 Movement
Gift-giving game - pass a 'gift' around the circle with care
📚 Story Time
The Mitten by Jan Brett
📺 "Just Can't" Day Alternatives
Videos:
- Sesame Street: Letter Q
- Daniel Tiger: Giving Episodes
Shows:
- Curious George: Winter episodes
Audiobooks:
- The Mitten by Jan Brett
Week 5: Yule Celebration
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Yule log ceremony - write what we release on paper, burn safely. Welcome the returning sun!
📖 Language Arts
Letter R - Return, Rejoice, Rest. Review N-R with Yule words
🔢 Math
Solstice math - shortest day, longest night. Compare hours
🌿 Science & Nature
The sun returns! After solstice, days start getting longer.
🎨 Art & Handwork
Yule log decoration, sun catchers, spiral sun crafts
🏃 Movement
Spiral dance - walk inward then outward like the sun's journey
📚 Story Time
The Tomten by Astrid Lindgren
📺 "Just Can't" Day Alternatives
Videos:
- Signing Time: Winter Signs
- Cosmic Kids: Yule Adventure
Shows:
- Nature: Winter Solstice celebrations worldwide
Audiobooks:
- The Tomten by Astrid Lindgren
Week 6: Rest & Renewal (Winter Break Week)
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Gentle daily candle lighting. Share one good thing from each day.
📖 Language Arts
Review letters A-R. Read favorite books. Tell stories by firelight.
🔢 Math
Play math games - board games, card games, counting games
🌿 Science & Nature
Nature walks - look for animal tracks, winter birds, ice and frost
🎨 Art & Handwork
Free art time - use new art supplies, create freely
🏃 Movement
Indoor play, snow play (if available), gentle yoga
📚 Story Time
Family choice - revisit favorites or try new winter tales
📺 "Just Can't" Day Alternatives
Videos:
- Favorite holiday movies
- Nature documentaries
Shows:
- Planet Earth: Winter episodes
- March of the Penguins
Audiobooks:
- Any favorites - this is rest week!
🕯️ Yule Celebration Ideas
- • Decorate and burn a Yule log (or decorate a log with candles)
- • 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
- • Tell stories by candlelight
- • Ring bells at dawn to welcome the returning sun