As a pagan, I celebrate Yule. So I thought I would share the story of Yule!
At the Winter Solstice, the Goddess gives birth to the God. This night is the shortest day of the year. As the God is symbolic of the Sun, this is the time of year when the Sun is 'reborn' as well, as days lengthen. Many pagans light a Yule log to celebrate this. It is time for the Goddess to rest after having given birth.
Historically, the Winter Solstice was celebrated to bring on the end of the winter and to encourage the growth of spring and all that it brings. Today, it is a reminder that after death, comes rebirth, as the seasons continue.