Winter Solstice (and Happy 91st Birthday Dad)

YULE TIDE CHEER!

Yule is one of the oldest pagan winter solstice holidays. It has been celebrated for thousands of years by various cultures, with a wide variety of rituals and traditions. Because Yule depends on the solstice, which depends on the sun reaching is southern most point it can vary by location but it always falls on or after December 21 each year.
Yule is a traditional pagan celebration and id a time to celebrate the hope of the returning light. Like the solstice we acknowledge the darkness is defeated by the brighter side and with each day getting longer, it is a time of celebration so in that respect, Yule is like the traditional New Year holiday. Its a chance to look ahead to the year to come and begin again. 

In ICELAND there is legend of a Yule Cat!

The Yule Cat in Reykjavik

 

The Icelandic Yule Cat, also known as Jólakötturinn, has a long and fascinating history rooted in Icelandic folklore. While the exact origins of this mythical creature are unknown, it is believed to have been a part of Icelandic culture for centuries.

According to legend, the Yule Cat was a fearsome beast that roamed the countryside, preying on those who did not receive new clothes before Christmas Eve. In Icelandic tradition, new clothes were a symbol of good behavior and were given as gifts to children and adults alike during the holiday season.

Over time, the Yule Cat’s reputation as a fearsome predator softened, and it became a symbol of the importance of hard work and the joy of gift-giving during the holiday season. Today, the Yule Cat is an integral part of Icelandic Christmas traditions and is celebrated throughout the country every year. 

I, Marvelous, would love to meet him!

It is our Pop Pop's 91st Birthday!

He is our Mom's Dad and even though we don't know him very well, (he has not visited Midway since the last century) our Mom has gone and seen him in Calgary more than a few times!

Here is a photo of him after Mom was born, he was 21

 

 

Here he is when Mom went to see him 2 years ago. 

 

 

And here he is when Mom was talking to him on the phone last week!

We Love you Pop Pop (and Daddy)!