Yule of 1987 was a most special time for me as I now look back in retrospect. I was very new to the craft and living the high life that only a true pagan knows by heart this time of year. I say this not to cast aspersions to my non-pagan brothers and sisters out there in cyberland, please understand.

I had just been initiated, named, confirmed and enjoyed the Samhain festivities so very much that one would have wondered how I could be so cheerful all of the time. It was something coming from within on it's own power. It was my love of the Lord & Lady. It was my ever-increasing love of self. It was absolute Magick! My unworthy self was so very delighted just to be a part of "The Craft of the Wise". Solstice approached seemingly quickly as all holidays seem to do. This Yule celebration was to be held at the H.P. (High Priestess). Of the Clan's home, which I adored as well. It was then that I thought to myself:

"Hey You. Unworthy Self! This is beyond awesome! It's like getting the best of times and two separate Christmas-y flavored Holls to Boot"!!! I never included Hanukkah, which was always very nice, But much too solemn for my dramatic flair. I was eternally peaking at this festive time of year. Legend has it I was actually conceived on a cold and VERY festive Christmas Eve of 1958 if truth be told. Just never tell my Mum I know that! The next task was off to do the Yule Shopping. There are 2 definitive types of beings that dwell upon this little blue orb. There are the "Takers", and the "Givers". I am the latter of the two. You must understand that to be a bona-fide "Giver", one must graciously receive as well. I wanted to get a little something for all celebrants that would be in attendance at our circle that Yule. I also wanted to get a little something special for my H.P. and my "Maven" Circle friend at the time as well, so off a shopping I did go!

I first purchased some nice wine, which would be used for libations in circle. The Goddess loves her libations! Next I was off to look for little metaphysical odds & ends at a few local new-age shops in town. I purchased a new and unusual deck of tarot cards for my H.P. plus a few crystals for the crimson velvet bag she would store them in. I also bought some new flavors of incense and some beautifully scented and colorful candles for the group as well. I bought my Maven friend a book like one that I had which she was eternally coveting. I still at this point was not feeling fulfilled with my progress though. It was at that point that I stopped to listen, to "Go Within", that I heard the voice of a dear old pagan H.P. friend of mine who was responsible for helping me in my process of entering the Craft in the first place.

She said: "Only one brief moment of truly humble and loving subjugation to the Gods in a crowded shopping mall is worth hours upon hours of meaningless pomp and ceremony in the grandest and most elaborate of circles". That was what she told me.

I then went home to start on some "home-made" gifts, a perfect idea! I lovingly created individual "themes" for some gift baskets and started to cook some "Cracklin' Bread" for us to eat. Cracklin' Bread is an Appalachian dish and is a delectable cornbread filled with luscious pieces of pork rind. My Mother had taught me to cook and being as how we were from the Appalachia's, I was weaned on this kind of good OLD real country cooking.

My Father, that year before he entered the Summerland, Also helped me make some personal pagan giftie items like real wooden wands of oak & such since he was the craftsman of the family. Although my family was not of pagan persuasion and, I do not believe, actually comprehended neither the entire goings on, nor the seeming madness of it all. I must say they were most helpful to my mission that Yule. And let me tell you just as sure as you are there and I am here, everyone could use a little extra help around Yule time! Just ask someone like Mr. Kringle who knows the 411 from experience!