 |
Group
Activities for Yule |
For starts, if you want to hold a ritual of some sort, the most exciting thing I can think of is to try to find a place where you can build a bonfire (or even kindle a small fire in a grill) and simply sit around and talk. First hold a small ritual to purify the area around the fire. Tell each other what this season means for you, what the coming of longer days means to you, your history with this time of year, and how you want the coming light to change and "enlighten" you. Have a chalice of eggnog and pass it around the circle...before a person can drink, they have to say something about Yule, your group, or school. This is a good way to bond a little before the break separates your group for a month.
If you can't do a bonfire, get some cheap candles from a $1 store and let each person light one...use those to "light your way" instead of a bonfire. It's a really pretty sight and I think it is usually quite inspiring...especially before, during, and after Final Exams!
Other things you can do with a group are not necessarily for yourselves, but for others. As a group, organize a canned food, clothing, or toy drive at your school. I know the Marine Reserves in the US always has a toy drive...they would appreciate any help you can give them by inspiring your fellow students to help. You can also make some traditional Yule foods to donate to a food shelter. (Check with a food shelter on this one first, though...there may be particular rules on what they can and cannot accept). If that doesn't work, volunteer as a group at a soup kitchen.
You can also do an "Adopt a Family" program as a group. In those, you adopt a family, you're given the background on that family, and you can buy simple gifts like coloring books and crayons for the kids, books for the adults, and you're also given their clothing sizes, so you can buy the kids outfits, the parents pairs of gloves, or other sensible items. Generally people who receive these items are simply happy to have the items for their practical uses rather than for their expense. So shopping at Wal-Mart is not an insult to them. Also, you can spend time at a nursing home and cheer the people who live there. Sing carols or any other type of activity...the elderly like to have interaction with others. You may find yourself going back after the holidays!
Feel like helping out the animals of the season? Volunteer a day at an animal shelter. (I personally do a Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center here.) You can also simply donate a case of dog or cat food to a shelter, or any other particular place that lives off donations. (The Wild Bird Rehab lives off of donations of newspapers, papertowels, old towels, and small amounts of money...each dollar can feed a bunch of birds at one time.) Don't forget the animals that must get through this time of year! There are also "Adopt a Whale" or other programs all the time. If you live near a zoo, you can probably donate there, as well.
One of the best donations you can give people is a smile...so when you go shopping, know that people there are going to be hassled and harried. Smile at people as you pass them...it may brighten their day and remind them that this season isn't about presents (no matter what is said on "South Park" *grin*) but spreading joy! Have a great holiday!
| COLLEGE
WICCA INFORMATION
|
Try some of these books for further ideas on holding a Yule ritual with a group:
|
|
||