Western Slavic Yule Celebration

On the longest night of the year, we gather to welcome the sun’s rebirth the old Slavic way. Szczodre Gody / Koliada 2026 is a full-day, heart-centered celebration that begins in silence with the rising sun and ends in generous feasting, storytelling, and soft merriment under the returning light.

We start at 7:30 a.m. with a completely silent 3-mile sunrise hike at Eliza Howell Park — a 250-acre sanctuary of woodlands, meadows, and Rouge River frontage. As we walk, we gently touch and thank every pine, fir, and spruce we meet, listening for what they offer in return. We gather small evergreen sprigs and pinecones with deep respect to carry into the rest of the day.

By mid-morning we return to the house for a potluck & communal bread-making ritual, where we knead intentions for prosperity, health, protection, and creativity into simple Szczodraki and loaves that will later be broken and shared at the feast.

In the afternoon we prepare and decorate the Badnjak (Yule log) together, then carry it in procession (from the living room to the back yard) to the fire pit for the sacred burning — complete with libations, spark blessings, ancestor honoring, and the ancient Slavic chant “As many sparks, as much joy, health, prosperity, and light in the year ahead! or something like that”

The evening unfolds as a true Szczodre Gody: a generous potluck table, story rounds, kolędowanie (caroling)(only if Spencer has had alot to drink or someone else leads us), light crafts by the fire, and a soft, chosen-family atmosphere where everyone is welcome to stay, rest, and simply be together as the light returns.

📋Agenda |

→ 7:30–9:00am silent sunrise hike & evergreen gathering at Eliza Howell Park

→ 9:30am - 10:30am Breakfest Potluck

→ 10:30am–12:30pm bread-making ritual with personal intentions

→ 12:30–3:30 pm rest, light lunch & gentle prep

→ 3:30–4:30pm Yule log (Badnjak) preparation & decoration

→ 4:45–6:00pm sacred Yule log burning & campfire ritual (procession, libations, spark blessing, ancestor honoring)

→ 6:00pm onward potluck feast, storytelling, kolędowanie, crafts & soft evening merriment

🎆 Vibe | Sacred, communal, and deeply joyful — rooted in Western Slavic folk traditions with a quiet, nature-connected beginning and a generous, heart-warming close. Silence, intention, fire, bread, and chosen family

👽 Who | Open invite for anyone who comes with respect for Slavic traditions and a genuine desire to welcome the returning light in community. Queer-inclusive and welcoming to all who honor the land and ancestors

🧳 Bring | Warm layers, headlamp/flashlight, sturdy shoes for the hike, and a potluck dish inspired by Slavic or seasonal winter foods (pierogi, bigos, rye bread, honey cake, kutia, etc.). Optional: evergreen sprigs, ribbons, dried fruits, herbs, or small items to decorate the Yule log