November 23rd through December 22nd (Yule) is known as the Month of Apollo in some traditions.
The Greek God Apollo is commonly known as the God of the Sun. However, he did not become associated with this particular title until the 3rd century BCE when he was referred to as Apollo Helius (it was also at this time that his twin sister Artemis became known as Selene, the Titan Goddess of the Moon).
Before then, Apollo was more commonly known as the God associated with poetry and music as he was given a Lyre by Hermes and was unrivaled by any others in song (he made sure of this).
December has associations with the Sun in many religious and spiritual traditions. At Yule or the Winter Solstice (December 22nd this year), the Sun begins to make its glorious return, and the days will become longer once again. In order to help it along, many peoples from various traditions choose to pay homage to the birth or rebirth of the Sun (or Son).
While we often have a Christmas tree and a Yule log, this year we will probably only have the latter. Either way, the traditions stem from the same place and for many of the same reasons.
How will you spend the Winter Solstice this season? I’d love to hear about it.