Theft of Thor's Hammer

One day, Thor woke up to find that his most prized possession, Mjolnir, had been stolen. Since this is his main weapon in fighting the Jotun, he needed to figure out where it was and get it back.

Thor goes to Loki for aide, who in turn goes to Freya and borrows her falcon cloak. Freya's cloak allows her to shapeshift into a falcon, and to travel between the realms.

Loki goes to Jotunheim and discovers that Thrym, the King of the Jotun had stolen Mjolnir. Thrym said he would only return Mjolnir if he could marry Freya.

Freya refused this demand.

Heimdall suggested that Thor dress up in bridal attire and trick Thrym into returning Mjolnir.

Thor reluctantly agreed, and donned a veil and dress, completing the look with Freya's necklace, Brisingamen.

So, Thor and Loki traveled to Jotunheim, and Thrym welcomed them with a feast in honour of his new bride.

During the feast, all of the Jotun were surprised at the bride's appetite. A whole ox, eight salmon and three large tankards of mead were consumed.

Thrym demanded an explanation, so Loki came to the rescue. He told the King of the Giants that, being so excited, his wife-to-be hadn't eaten fro 8 nights.

Next, Thrym tried to steal a kiss from his bride, but when he peeked under the veil he was so taken aback by the fiery look in her eyes, he demanded another explanation.

Loki, again, came to the rescue. He explained that his bride had not slept for 8 nights due to anticipation of the upcoming nuptials.

Finally, Thrym ordered Mjolnir to be brought in order to consecrate the marriage. The hammer was laid on Thor's lap. Thor dropped his disguise and killed all the Jotun in the vicinity.

12 Days of Yule - Traditions

There are so many traditions associated with the holiday season, and there is by no means one correct way to do things. This post is to serve as a list of jumping off points to figure out what could be right for you and your family. If something works, try it again next year, or if not you can always swap it out for something different.

Gifts
Gift giving during the winter holidays is known to everybody who has spent more than a few years on this Earth. It is ingrained into our culture, and seems to be expected more than something you should do for the people you care about. Traditionally, people seem to give handmade gifts rather than pre-purchased ones when celebrating Yule rather than Christmas or some secularized version of the holiday.
One option that I really enjoy, though it isn't necessarily Heathen is the idea of each person in the family getting 4 gifts. One thing they want, one thing they need, one thing to wear, and one thing to read. It's simple and practical, and less likely to lead to overindulgence.

Feast (Ham is sacred to Freyr.)
Getting family and friends together to celebrate the season is common among all Yule traditions that I know of. It doesn't have to be all Heathen, or pagan, invite the people you care about.

Vigil
Staying up all night in candle or firelight, or with all the lights in the house on seem to be common ways to welcome the return of the sun on the solstice.

Volunteering
Giving time at a local soup kitchen can be a good way to give back to the community and help those in need with minimal cost on your part.

Light Displays
Look up where the best decorations are in your area and go for a walk or drive through that area. Yule is a light festival after all.

Blot/Sumbel/Ritual
Even if it is all on your own, an offering to the Gods can make the reason for the holiday seem more real.

Yule Log
The Yule log is traditionally a log (or rather, an entire tree) that is burned constantly over the course of the festival. This would have been done in the long house, where everybody would be congregating. Today, this can be symbolized by a bonfire or having a fire in the fire place, if you have one. Always be responsible around fire. If you don't have a safe place for one, forgo this particular tradition, please.

12 Days of Yule - Other Beings at Yuletide

Come those who wish to come;

stay those who wish to stay;

and fare those who wish to fare,

harmless to me and mine.

Arni Bjornsson - Jol a Islandi

Translation Gundarsson - Elves Wights and Trolls

It seems to be a common belief that Yule is just important to the Alfs and Wights as it is to the humans.

Just before Yule, perhaps during the day on Mother's Night, many people go about what could be considered to be a “spring cleaning” type of event. They clean the home from top to bottom in attempt to remove the staleness, and make things nicer for the Alfs and Wights at Yule. Ceilings, crown molding, baseboards, walls, floors and all the nooks and crannies where energy might be stagnant are cleared out. This is both a physical and energy cleansing. In addition to cleaning, lights are lit in every room to “sweep” out the shadows. In modern times this could be just turning on the lights, or you could have a candle lit in each room.

In mid January, around the 13th-15th there is a practice that includes banging pots and pans to drive unwanted Alfs that are still hanging around from Yule out of the home.  

If you're concerned about ill-willed Wights or Alfs, then there are a few things you can keep around your home during Yuletide. Gunpowder, sulfur, fireplace ashes, Rowan tree, or iron. 

One thing to always keep in mind, is to remember your Hospitality. Leave a little something out for those passing through, and they are much more likely to be nice in turn. (Rather than mess stuff up.) Cookies (Santa is a jolly ol' elf, right?), milk, cake, cheese, cider, or whatever you have lying around. Just make sure they know it's for them. Leave a note, or say something over it. If you have a special place in your home where you leave offering to Wights, that is a perfect place to leave it. 

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that you inhabit Midgard with these beings throughout the entire year, not just during Yule. You don't have to wait until this time of year to interact, although it is likely to be the easiest time for it.