January 6th is Twelfth Night, the last event of the holiday season. Throughout northern Europe Yule has been celebrated this time of year longer than the advent of Christianity. The cold bitter winter meant hardship, even death if a family was not prepared.

So they prepared: they gathered wood to burn, including a huge log to last through the festivities, stored food and drink, which they sampled generously and often, and gathered family to insure no one was left out. They sang, and told ancient stories; they ate heartily and drank deeply.

Thus we must end our Yule and remember it well. Treasure your friends and family. If good fortune did not visit you in 2010, put out some mead and cheese tonight. Be sure to sample it well to insure a good night’s rest.