It may be celebrated on the evening before, at sunrise on the morning of the solstice, or at the exact time of the astronomical event. At this time, the Goddess manifests as the Great Mother and the God as the Sun Child, Santa Claus, and Old Man Winter. Because of the popularity of stars as holiday symbols, the holidays are a good time to display a pentagram of blue or white lights. Holly symbolizes the old solar year and waning sun and promotes protection and good luck. Ivy promotes fidelity, protection, healing, marriage, victory, honor, and good luck.
Evergreen promotes continuity of life, protection, and prosperity.
Hang a sprig of mistletoe above a major threshold and leave it there until next Yule as a charm for good luck throughout the year. Also decorate with mistletoe boughs and kissing balls to promote peace, prosperity, healing, wellness, fertility, rest, and protection. Include holiday herbs in it and then place it on your front door to bless your home and symbolize the continuity of life and the wheel of the year. If you choose to have a living or a harvested evergreen tree as part of your holiday decorations, call it a solstice tree and decorate it with earthy symbols. Use oak in your celebration in the form of a Yule log, acorns, and wood for sacred fires to symbolize the new solar year and waxing sun while promoting endurance, strength, triumph, protection, and good luck.