This year we’re starting a new tradition: Witchmas.
As the holiday season draws near, many of us can feel that familiar mix of excitement and overwhelm. The stress of buying just the right gift, the overabundance of decorations, and, for some of us, the lingering weight of religious trauma that no longer fit our beliefs. It can feel like a lot, right? So, earlier this year, I had an epiphany:
Why not create a holiday that celebrates the real magic of the season—one that’s less about obligations and more about the magic that flows within us and the world around us?
And thus, Witchmas was born.
PS – Did you know you can create your own holidays? Yep. Holidays are just made up, anyways. So why not make up your own?
Why Witchmas?
Witchmas is a holiday that honors the feminine divine and reconnects us with the deeper, quieter magic of the season. It’s about celebrating in a way that feels real, intentional, and you. I wanted a celebration that wasn’t weighed down by the pressure to buy gifts, host the perfect party, or meet anyone’s expectations. Witchmas is about slowing down, honoring the rhythms of nature, and embracing the magic of this time of year without the baggage.
It’s smaller, more intimate and meant to be slowly enjoyed.
The Winter Solstice is the perfect time for reflection. It marks the longest night of the year, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, light always returns. And that’s exactly what Witchmas is all about: celebrating the return of the light—both in the world and in ourselves. It’s about tapping into the divine feminine energy that guides us, nurtures us, and helps us manifest our dreams with ease.
How We Celebrate Witchmas
1. Nine Days of Gift-Giving (The Magical Kind)
Witchmas isn’t about spending hundreds of dollars on the latest gadgets or clothes. It’s about celebrating the simple, meaningful gifts that come from the heart. Starting on the Winter Solstice, we celebrate for nine days. Each day, we exchange small, intentional gifts—handmade candles, cozy blankets, trinkets from small businesses, and, of course, plenty of books.
These gifts carry an energy of thoughtfulness and magic, rather than the stress of “I-have-to-buy-something-right-now.” And the intention is for them to be things we enjoy throughout the winter months.
- Tip: If you’re looking for a gift that’s really personal and magical, try creating something yourself! Perhaps some homemade jam, a handmade journal or or a jar of dried herbs? They can be incredibly meaningful, and it adds a touch of your personal magic.
2. Witchy Decor to Make Your Home Feel Like a Magical Haven
Witchmas decor doesn’t have to be over-the-top or commercial. It’s about creating a space that feels cozy, nurturing, and aligned with the season’s energy. Think dried oranges, pinecones, sprigs of fresh greenery, and, of course, lots of candles. I like to use candles to symbolize the return of the light, which feels so important during the darkest days of the year. We do a ton of handmade things and secondhand finds… the rule is “no to new.”
We still put up our garlands, have a Practical Magic themed Witchmas tree, my sweet snowman wreath and our outdoor winter display. All the parts we love, cherish and that bring us joy. We just alter them to suit our home and our version of a holiday season that feels magical.
- Tip: Try making your own wreaths or garlands with dried flowers, herbs, and essential oils. This is a lovely way to bring the energy of nature into your space, while connecting with the season’s magical vibes.
3. Nourishing Foods & Cozy Rituals
One of my favorite parts of Witchmas is the food. It’s about slowing down, savoring, and nourishing both your body and soul. Think hearty soups, warm drinks, and baked treats—comfort food at its finest. But the key is to prepare each meal with love and intention. Every bite is a ritual of nourishment, a reminder that slowing down to honor our needs is just as important as being productive.
- Tip: If you’re looking to add a magical twist to your meals, try creating a “moon phase” menu—each night, prepare something that aligns with the energy of the current lunar cycle. This gives you an extra layer of connection to the cosmic rhythms of the season.
4. Music & Movies to Enchant Your Soul
Let’s be real: we’re not about that high-energy, mandatory Christmas carol playlist. Witchmas is about relaxing, connecting, and letting the cozy, witchy vibes flow. I love listening to soft instrumental music or cozy playlists that make me feel like I’m wrapped in a blanket. And of course, no Witchmas would be complete without Practical Magic on repeat, or any other magical, secular films that bring you joy.
- Tip: Create your own Witchmas playlist filled with songs that make you feel calm, inspired, and magical. You can also get creative with your movie selection—anything that sparks that witchy vibe, from old-school classics to fun witchy films!
The Magic of Nine: A List for Every Day
One of the most fun and intentional parts of Witchmas is making a list of things we really want to experience, and giving ourselves permission to do them. This isn’t about a big to-do list or checking things off. It’s about creating an experience that feels aligned with the magic of the season. So, each day of Witchmas, we make a list of nine things we want to experience:
1. Nine Things We Want to Eat: Whether it’s a favorite winter comfort food, a seasonal treat, or something that’s just been calling your name, create a list of nine things to enjoy over the nine days. Maybe it’s mulled wine, gingerbread cookies, or a creamy soup. The key is to savor and be present with each bite.
2. Nine Movies to Watch: Create a magical movie list for the season! Think witchy films, cozy classics, or anything that makes you feel connected to the spirit of Witchmas. Maybe Practical Magic, The Craft, Hocus Pocus, or even something heartwarming like The Holiday or The Chronicles of Narnia. It’s a great way to unwind and keep the magic flowing through the days.
3. Nine Seasonal Things to Experience: This can be anything that connects you with the season’s energy. Maybe it’s walking through a park covered in frost, lighting candles every night, or watching the sunset. It could even be as simple as creating a new winter tradition or visiting a nearby town to enjoy the decorations. These nine experiences will keep you present and help you connect deeply with the magic of the season.
- Tip: Make the lists with a sense of excitement and openness. These are things to look forward to and savor—not obligations. Write them down and post them somewhere you’ll see each day. Let the anticipation fill you with joy!
Embracing the Feminine Divine: The Heart of Witchmas
The core of Witchmas is honoring the feminine divine—the intuitive, nurturing, and creative energy that lives within us all. This holiday is about slowing down, letting go of the need to “do” all the time, and embracing the softer, more receptive side of life. In a world that constantly pushes us to be more, do more, and hustle harder, Witchmas invites us to be more—more present, more connected, and more aligned with our inner magic.
Because, let’s face it – traditional Christmas is all about hustle, bustle, and stress (especially for women!)…. then the “gift giving” part is over in about 10 minutes in one big splash.
Remind you of anything?
But not Witchmas! Instead, this is the season to rest, reflect, and to savor. The Winter Solstice is the perfect reminder that sometimes, the best thing we can do is rest in the darkness, trusting that light will return in its own time. It’s about flowing with the season, rather than fighting against it.
- Tip: Create a daily ritual during Witchmas that honors the feminine divine within you. Whether it’s lighting a candle each night to represent your own light or doing a journaling practice about your own inner magic, these small acts of self-care will deepen your connection to the energy of the season.
Witchmas & Yule: Embracing the Magic of the Solstice
Now, you might be wondering—isn’t Witchmas kind of the same as Yule? In many ways, yes! Both holidays align with the Winter Solstice and celebrate the return of the light, but they each come with their own unique magic and energy.
Yule
This is a much older, traditional holiday with deep roots in ancient solstice customs. It’s part of many pagan and witchcraft traditions, and it’s all about honoring the cycles of nature, the rebirth of the sun, and the turning of the Wheel of the Year. Yule rituals often include lighting a Yule log, honoring the Earth’s renewal, and celebrating the balance between light and dark.
Witchmas
Witchmas takes the spirit of Yule and personalizes it. It’s a holiday for the modern witch, focusing not only on the return of the sun but on celebrating the power of the feminine divine, self-care, and the magic that lives within each of us. While Yule celebrates the natural world’s cycles, Witchmas invites you to celebrate yourself and your loved ones—your own personal magic, your creative energy, and your journey of self-discovery.
In short, Witchmas is a celebration of Yule’s timeless magic, but with a modern, magical edge. We kept the parts of Christmas we loved, but left out all the religious trauma that comes with it. It’s about tapping into both the energy of the natural world and the power of your own inner light.
- Tip: If you already celebrate Yule, you can easily integrate Witchmas into your practices. Perhaps you light a Yule log and use it as a focus for your intentions. Or, you could incorporate Witchmas-style rituals—like journaling, making handmade gifts, or practicing mindfulness—into your Yule celebrations to add a more personal, magical twist.
Reclaiming the Magic of the Holidays
Witchmas is my way of reclaiming the magic of the holiday season and celebrating it in a way that feels right for me. It’s not about fitting into a mold or following someone else’s rules—it’s about creating something that feels authentic and powerful. It’s about celebrating what truly matters: the magic within us, the connection to nature, and the divine energy that guides us all.
So, I invite you to join me this season in celebrating Witchmas. Whether you go all in with the nine days of gifts and rituals or simply adopt a few key elements, I promise you’ll find the magic waiting for you. This holiday season, let’s make it about honoring ourselves, honoring the feminine divine, and embracing the beauty of the season without the pressure. After all, magic is always there, waiting for us to notice it.
Let’s make this holiday season magical. 🌙
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