Found to be a very nice look at the history of winter celebrations. Nice things added to do or bring in to your knowing of the season. Quick look at this subject, nicely done.

I really enjoyed this one! I learned so much about all the different 'Christmas' like holidays around this time of the year and I love learning anything I can about Krampus, so that's a bonus! I even learned what Saturnalia wine is and how to make it!

My only compliant is that I felt this book explained how to make Christmas more Pagan and not how to actually celebrate Yule... if that makes any sense. I know that Christians took Yule and made it their own to get people into the church, so they're a lot a like in some ways but still, I just didn't like that part. Still a great little book with a lot of info and I really enjoy this author, he's very down to earth and I can understand him easily.

Fully recommend!

From the publisher: Filled with dozens of magical exercises, tips, recipes, crafts, spells, and rituals, Llewellyn's Little Book of Yule shares everything you need in order to make your Yuletide memorable and enchanting. Learn how to honor the fairy folk of Yuletide, make a batch of Saturnalia wine, and discover tips for hosting a solstice vigil. Explore traditional activities like wassailing and chalking the door. Discover the Italian holiday witch known as La Befana and the true meaning of Krampus. From mistletoe to marzipan, this book delves into familiar traditions as well as observances that may be brand new to you—making it an invaluable resource for bringing a deep sense of meaning and magic to your holiday season.
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This is one of the best, most comprehensive books on Yule that I have ever read. The author relates the history of various global festivals held during this time of year. He shares recipes of food, drink and divination. In the writer's words, "This book also embraces magic." And it does! I adore this little book and it shares a wealth of knowledge. I read it in one sitting, but plan on using it for reference for future Yuletide seasons.

I don’t usually leave a review for books I dislike but I was so upset about this book so here goes....

I was expecting more of a straight up winter solstice/ Yule book rather than this glorification of Christianity and the Christian holiday Christmas. Rather weird coming from a self proclaimed Gardenarian witch. Ok so he loves the Christmas and you might too. This book will help you paganise you’re Christmas festival - which is odd to me but if want to go to church and then return home to \practice the dark arts we’ll that’s your business.

Where the authors lack of research skills really shines is where he dismisses Sundbloms illustrations as an 1980’s myth. He goes on to state that Shaman do not ingest agaric mushrooms, nor that they have much to do with reindeer

Haddon Sundblom was a Finnish/Swedish American immigrant who came to prominence via his much loved illustrations. One in particular depicting santa in the 1920s for Coca Cola.

Sundblom who is rumoured to have been of Sami decent, portrayed Santa in relation to Sami myth. Sami shamans were known for wearing red leather trimmed in reindeer fur. The Sami were mainly reindeer herders on the tundra and practice reindeer magick. In particular the Shaminic tradition of drinking reindeer urine. Reindeer eat lychen and agaric mushrooms. In this ritual the shaman would get high and their urine would be shared buy up to 4 lots of people down the line. This is now outlawed but still practiced.

Once high, hallucinations would give way. The symbolism of Santa in his reindeer sleigh flying ‘high’ in the air is a nod.

Why am I so pissed? This is a culture that has survived genocide right up to the 1970’s where Sami women where still being forcefully sterilised. The author dismissal is no different to saying the Jewish Holocaust is a hoax.

*eARC supplied by publisher and Netgalley

I want to thank NetGalley, Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd., and author Jason Mankey for providing me with an ARC of this novel!

I am a sucker for anything Llewellyn, especially the books they put out about the Sabbats. I LOVED this!! These books are legit perfect for finding holiday related rituals, spells, recipes, etc. Honestly, these are perfect for new witches or old. Absolutely gorgeous and bursting with information.

Thank you to those named above for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this novel!