13 Holy Nights
As we move into the days of Christmas and towards the threshold of a new year, I wanted to share a tradition that I return to again and again. Over the last couple of years I have quietly practiced a ritual with oracle cards called The 13 Holy Nights & this year, I'll be doing the same but adding in the ritual below.
As we move into the days of Christmas and towards the threshold of a new year, I wanted to share a tradition that I return to again and again. Over the last couple of years I have quietly practiced a ritual with oracle cards called The 13 Holy Nights & this year, I'll be doing the same but adding in the ritual below.
I have always questioned my pull towards a more reflective Christmas & I was never able to name it until I can across this practice.
I was never able to fully connect to the overtly materialistic Christmas that the media feeds us & not able to fully connect with a religious Christmas either.
I always felt a little "in between" until I came across this & the ancient meaning behind it.
The Holy Nights (sometimes known as the Rauhnächte) traditionally span the days between Christmas and early January. Historically, this time was seen as sitting outside of ordinary time, a pause between what has been and what is yet to come. So you can see now before modern calendars and the pressure of resolutions, these nights were honoured as a liminal space for rest & listening. Rather than rushing to define the year ahead, the Holy Nights invite us to let the old year settle, to release what feels complete, and to gently sense into what wants to emerge - without force or fixing.
You don’t need to follow this tradition perfectly. Even a few quiet moments like journalling by candlelight or walking a little slower to give yourself space to reflect or taking 5 intentional breaths upon waking can be enough to honour this in-between space.
Below are a few gentle journalling prompts, followed by a simple ritual you might like to try.
Gentle Journalling Invitations
Choose what ever feels right - there’s no need to do them all.
Looking back with compassion
What am I proud of myself for this year - especially the quieter things no one else may have seen?
What is ready to be released
What feels complete, heavy, or what do I not want to carry into the next year?
Listening beneath the noise
When I allow myself to slow down, what does my body seem to be asking for
Seeds for the year ahead
Without pressure or planning, what qualities would I love to feel more of in the coming year?
Trusting the unfolding
If I didn’t need to have everything figured out, what could be possible?
A Simple Holy Nights Ritual - Wishes in a Jar
Beginning 24th Dec @ sunset - Ending Jan 6th
One ritual traditionally associated with the Holy Nights is a wishes ritual, which beautifully balances intention, trust, and personal responsibility.
If this lights you up (no pun intended)
You write 13 wishes or intentions, place them into a jar, and over the Holy Nights release one wish at a time , safely burning it as a symbol of letting go and trusting the unfolding.
One wish remains, becoming the intention you gently bring into the year ahead.
This ritual isn’t about manifesting or getting things “right.” It’s about slowing down, releasing control, and entering the new year with care, presence, and trust.
As we honour the Holy Nights, we practice something quietly radical:
Resting instead of pushing,
Listening instead of fixing,
Trusting instead of forcing.
May these days offer you moments of softness, insight.
May you enter the new year feeling a little more grounded, spacious, and supported.
