This is the shortest day of the year and, obviously, the longest night. The waxing sun finally overcomes the waning sun and from this day on, the days will once again grow longer as we head toward spring and the rebirth of fertility once again. The God represents the sun which "returns" after this night to bring warmth and fertility to the land. Yule trees are cut and decorated with images of what we wish to receive during the next year, such as love charms to draw love, nuts for fertility, fruits for a successful harvest, or coins to ensure wealth and prosperity.

A Yule log is burned and a portion of it saved to be used for protection of the home during the next year and in the lighting of the next year's Yule log. Some Wiccans drill three holes in the Yule log and fill them with either three white candles, or one white, one red, and one black candle to symbolize the Triple Goddess (Maiden, Mother, and Crone). The Yule logs are then decorated with holly and evergreens to symbolize the intertwining of the God and the Goddess who have been reunited on this day. Bayberry candles are burned to ensure wealth and happiness in the coming year. The Holly King (representing the death aspect of the God) is overcome by the Oak King (representing the re-birth of the God) and the Goddess gives birth to her Son, sometimes known as the "Divine Child".