The Ordeal of Christmas

Yule and Christmas are approaching, and with that comes items that many westerners connect with this holiday: the color of red, gingerbreads, snow, elfs and the "man himself", Santa Claus. A white, fat, old man that, besides intrude on private property at night, also demands cookies and milk in exchange of presents for "good" children.

Sounds like a predator to me.

If we would remove the whole "Christmas- time", any person fitting the above-mentioned description would be on a neighbourhood watchlist. Probably on the FBI watchlist too.

I never believed in Santa Claus as a child either, I found it weird and creepy with a dude in a suit and beard, handing out gifts that I already knew my parents and grandparents bought. I never liked the idea of Santa Claus. The function of the man in the suit was a mystery to me. And still is today. There is a likeliness that my autism has something to do with it...

For the- according to me- obvious reason, I have never introduced my child (now a teenager) to the concept of "Santa Claus". I've always been upfront that I'm the one buying gifts and they don't need to behave a certain way to get gifts. No man in a red/white suit is coming to my house to hand out gifts. And he is most definitely not riding a sled with flying reindeers (all transgender btw, since only female reindeers keeps their antlers during wintertime, but all reindeers in the stories about Santa Claus have he/him pronounce).

That, of course, did at the time cause some issues those few times we celebrated Christmas with friends and their families. They had worked hard on lying to their kids about Santa and controlling their behavior with the threat of not receiving anything for the holiday. And they didn't get why the reindeers are transgender.

They thought that we spoiled Christmas for them by not indulging ourselves in the lying, misinformation, and manipulations. I thought they were slightly out of their minds in many ways.

So we decided to not continue the charade anymore and declined any further invitations. The friends and their families were most likely equally satisfied with the solution.

Since many people have an ick for small families like mine, to celebrate Christmas "alone" and not surrounded by people and food, another family "took us in" to celebrate a Christian Christmas....It just didn't work out. 

I don't mind religion, but I do mind when things are not in order. Like with Santa, I just never bought into the whole "Jesus was born on Christmas day", which clashed with this "Christian family".

Let me explain why:

The Myth of Jesus’ Birth Date 

Christmas is for many people associated with the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Historical evidence suggests that December 24th nor 25th was not the actual birthdate of Jesus. Several clues point to the fact that Jesus was more likely born in another season—possibly in September, as scholars argue based on astronomical and historical context.

The Church’s decision to place Jesus' birth in December seems more strategic than factual. By aligning the birth of Christ with the already-established pagan festival of Yule, the Church sought to convert pagan populations by blending their customs with Christian beliefs. This blending of traditions may have led to the Christmas we know today, but it also somewhat distanced the holiday from its true origins. There are other ideas regarding the Bible, Jesus and Christmas, which I'll write about another time. The thing is, however, I cannot celebrate a fake birthday.

Origins of the Christmas Tree

Another thing bugging me, is  the christmas-tree. For Christians the tree is often seen as a neutral or even sacred symbol. Its triangular shape is interpreted as a representation of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Buuut... 

It's a pagan thing.

The tree and/or the log, it has nothing to do with Jesus, angels or whatever modern society have made it to be. Evergreen trees symbolize life and renewal during the darkest part of the year. The origin of "christmas" trees was and is a pagan thing to do. The trees are decorated to honor deities or to ward off evil spirits during the solstice, which occurs around December 21-22.  The modern Christmas tree tradition is actually often credited to 16th-century Germans. Legend has it that Martin Luther, the Protestant Reformer, was inspired by the beauty of stars shining through evergreen branches and brought a tree indoors, decorating it with candles. 

Before that, trees were outdoors. Where they belong.  I do understand the symbolism of the Sacred tree, however, as a Sámi, I cannot just go about and chop myself a tree. It needs to be asked to participate in proper maner. And since I love trees, I leave them be in the forest. 

Yule: The More Authentic Celebration of Christmas

So, if not being terrorized by a pervert in a red and white jumpsuit is a "true" Christmas thing, and if not celebrating Jesus' non-existing birthday in December, with a decorated pagan tree, what is then left in these dark, mostly cold months for people in the northern hemisphere (and wherever Christmas is a thing)? For me, the ancient tradition of Yule offers a more authentic and spiritually grounded way to celebrate this time of year.

It is deeply rooted in pre-Christian pagan traditions and aligns with the natural rhythms of the earth and speaks to the core of what winter celebrations are truly about: the return of light, renewal, and the cycle of life. It makes sense to my autistic brain. 

Yule traditionally occurs during the winter solstice, which typically falls between December 20th and December 23rd in the Northern Hemisphere. The exact date varies each year depending on the Earth's position in relation to the sun.

It is the original "festival of light."

It marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, but more importantly, it celebrates the turning point when the sun begins to grow stronger and the days gradually become longer.

For ancient cultures, this was a powerful symbol of hope and rebirth, as light triumphs over darkness. This connection to the earth’s cycles makes Yule feel more genuine, grounded, and in tune with the natural world.

In many pre-christian/natural cultures, the annual cycle is divided into key points, where Yule is the New Year Celebration, the beginning of a new cycle that peaks with Litha, the summer solstice. Litha occurs in June and marks the longest day and the peak of the sun's power. After Litha, the days gradually shorten, and the cycle turns again toward Yule. In this way, the year is seen as a continuous cycle of waxing and waning light, where Yule begins the process of growth and Litha represents the height of that growth before the return to darkness

In contrast, the modern Christmas holiday has, in many ways, drifted away from its original roots. It's become a commercialized, gift-driven season that often neglects the deeper meanings of renewal and reflection. Yule, however, reminds us to pause, reflect on the year that has passed, and celebrate the promise of new beginnings.

A Return to Tradition and Meaning

For me, embracing Yule means returning to a more meaningful, ancient celebration that recognizes the deeper spiritual significance of this time of year. As Sámis living in Sweden, we've lost much of our own cultural heritage due to forced Christening and forced assimilation by the Swedish government. So, by learning more about the natural cycles of life, the natural rhythm of this planet and cosmos, one can feel closer to our ancestors.

While modern Christmas has its joys, Yule offers a reminder of the importance of balance, light, and renewal. For these reasons, I see Yule as the more accurate and fulfilling way to celebrate the season.

As for my child (also on the spectrum), it's great! They get to have two celebrations, one Yule  and one Christmas. But without the tree and the "typical Swedish Christmas food" (simply because we don't like it, we have reindeer tacos instead), and we always keep it small, personal, and fun. No rush, no stress, no overwhelm or overstimulation and no headache-inducing crowds of people. 

So, if you, for any reason, find yourself conflicted over the upcoming "big holiday", know that there are other options. You find the option that fits you and those you chose to celebrate with. It is the celebration of the returning of Light, and you may celebrate it however you please. With or without trees, decorations, parcels, food and what not. You do you.