"Yule is a Pagan holiday marking the Winter Solstice, which is the longest night of the year.  It has been celebrated by Pagans for over 10,000 years.  It is the return of the waxing sun.  Even though it is the longest night, after Winter Solstice the sun will become stronger and nights will get shorter and days longer.  It is a festival of light and the rebirth of the God of Light.  Many Christmas traditions are born from the Yule."