December 16-17, 2006

The class of 2006

Kindred members, friends and guests gathered together on Saturday evening at Steve's homestead to kick off the annual Yule festivities. The weather was dry and mild, and everyone was pleased that we'd be able to sumbel outdoors around the campfire once the sun set.

As always at one of our gatherings, there were plenty of tasty items to snack on -- no one was in danger of starvation. The Jarl's special bean dip (don't leave home without it), an assortment of olives, meatballs, chips, salsa, pickled eggs, dips and plenty of sweets decorated the dining room table.

Folks spent a good deal of time chatting it up, visiting and enjoying each other's company until the sun went down. We then gathered together around the campfire outside for sumbel. The Gods were honored, relatives and friends were toasted, and boasts and hopes for the future were made. Members and friends unable to attend also had horns raised to them this evening.

Following sumbel, we moved back indoors as the evening wound down and folks headed back home to prepare for Yule blót on Sunday.

We got an early start on a sunny Sunday morning, as everyone arrived at Talon and Felecia's new homestead about 11 a.m. All guests received a tour of their lovely new home, set gifts under the Yule tree and gathered in the living room to visit until it was time for blót.

Make led a powerful Yule blót this year as Odin, Mother Frigga, Thor and Frey were honored. Several kindred members assisted in the blot (Talon, Felecia and Herbert) during the rounds honoring Odin, Frigga and Thor. Of course, the traditional bread boar was sacrificed in honor of Frey after wishes for the new year were made upon it.

Following blót, the Yule wreath (with wishes written in runes woven into it, as well as the names of all kindred members and attending guests) was set into the fire. The wreath burned quickly and completely, and the smoke drifted northward carrying our wishes to Asgard for the Gods to see.

We then moved back indoors for a wonderful Yule feast which included ham, turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, deviled eggs, cheesy noodles, and bread just to name a few of the dishes available for sampling.

Next, we exchanged gifts, and had a blast playing with some of the toys given to the kids - especially the face-pressy-thingyR (tm). Steve also received a really cool pair of Cartman slippers that he undoubtedly wears each and every night as he shuffles around the house.

As the day moved into evening, members made their way home after another memorable Yule celebration.

Click here to view some photos from the weekend