Nights of Yule - Ancestral Day of Remembrance and Hospitality

On this, the Christian Christmas Day celebration, many of us choose to work with the Ancestors. It is common for us to be direct descendants of Christian relatives, and since this holy day was important to them, we honor them by recognizing this fact. Today, we honor the Ancestors. In addition, we honor the spirit of hospitality and the way it manifests in all we do. Some of us are traveling to spend time with Christian relatives, and it is our responsibility to be good guests in their homes. A prayer for travel may also be spoken, if applicable. Offerings are commonly plates of food from the shared family meal, similar to a dumb supper.

Devotional/Prayer: Honoring the Ancestors and Hospitality

Light six flames and speak the following:
​
On this, the sixth night of Yule, the center of our celebration,
We pay honor to the Ancestors at the center of our practice, of our hearts, and of our homes.
Many of our beloved dead taught us to pray,
Taught us to honor and love the Gods,
And built the foundation of our religious ideals.
We invite to share in our meal this evening (offer plate)
As guests in our home.
So many times have you hosted us in our youth and formative years,
Hosted our Mothers and Fathers and their Mothers and Fathers,
And we are proud to host you in return.
Ancestors of Body, whose blood courses through our veins,
Ancestors of Heart, whose love has brought us healing
and helped us to thrive,
Ancestors of Wisdom, teachers and mentors,
Ancestors of Hearth, who taught us to pray,
Ancestors of the Household, who taught us to respect our guests
and to be good guests in our travels,
We give you honor and respect,
We give you comfort and welcome,
We give you thanks and praise,
This day and always.
Ancestors, accept our offerings!