Yule 2021
Schedule of Events
5:00 Wassail Happy Hour and Cookie Swap
6:30 Potluck Dinner
8:00 White Elephant Gift Exchange
9:30 Community Toast and Lighting of the Yule Log
Yule Celebration
Welcome to our Yule page! Here we will have all the need-to-know information for our event, including how to RSVP.
Date: Friday December 17th 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Program Notes:
5:00 to 6:00 - Gathering and Happy Hour! Featured activities will include the ritual stirring of a festive seasonal beverage called wassail, to be used later in toasting. We will also have a cookie swap, so if you would like to participate please bring a batch of your favorite cookies to share.
6:00 to 7:30 - Potluck Dinner! Please bring a dish to share. Provided will be roasted turkey and potatoes, and a vegan gluten-free barley mushroom stew. If you have specific dietary needs, please mention this in your RSVP and we will do our best to accommodate. We are looking for appetizers, salads, side dishes, breads and desserts to share. Let us know what you plan to bring!
8:00 - 9:00 - The famous White Elephant gift exchange! if you wish to participate, indicate this on your RSVP (and how many in your party will be participating). The theme of the exchange this year is pagan deities of diverse pantheons. If you indicate you want to participate, you will be given the name of a deity with some suggestions for gift themes included. You are welcome and encouraged to do more research on this deity, but please stick with one of the themes provided. Also note the gift should be no more than $20 in value, and we highly encourage gifts that are handmade or bought from local businesses. Wrap the gift and label it "To (Name of the deity)", and you're good to go! The rest of the rules will be explained before the game commences.
9:00 - 10:00 - We will do some toasting to the gods, the ancestors and to ourselves with the consecrated wassail. Then we will light the Yule log to bring in the light for the new year and luck to all who attend!
Please note: ALL eligible ATTENDEES MUST BE VACCINATED including children. If you have any symptoms of illness please do not attend. A few people not yet fully vaccinated may attend given that:
They are not currently eligible for the vaccine, including children under the age of 5
Said people remain masked at all times except for when they are eating
There will be alcohol present for those of age. BYOB is fine. We expect all attendees to monitor their intake and make responsible decisions.
There will be plenty of street parking available.
Rides can be arranged. Please indicate on the RSVP if you are looking for a ride and where you want to be picked up.
Service animals only, please.
If you have mobility issues please let us know on the RSVP and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Location will be provided on RSVP. Please RSVP via email at happyvalleygoldenwheel@gmail.com by Friday December 10th. Provide the following information with your RSVP: Names of those who will attend and what if anything you are bringing for the meal, including any dietary restrictions. Indicate how many people want to participate in the gift exchange. Also indicate if you are looking for a ride and where you need to be picked up and dropped off. We will assume a vaccinated status for all attendees.