Yule Boasting

Yule boasting, popularized online as an old Norse tradition, involves making exaggerated, fun promises for the new year during winter solstice feasts, akin to hyperbolic New Year's resolutions but in a Viking style.

Historically, Norse traditions included "Yule Oaths" (heitstrengingar), which were solemn, binding vows made at feasts, often involving drinking and future promises, sometimes to great feats or royal duties, but these were serious, not just boasts.

These modern boast are a Pat Pending, more secular take on these ancient practices of feasting, drinking, and making grand pronouncements for the coming year, inspired by sagas and ritualized oath-taking.

1. The Boast of Survival (Mandatory)

“I boast that I survived a year that tried to rename me.

It failed.

I did not become bitter—I became precise.

This year, I will spend my strength only on battles worth remembering.”

2. The Boast of Dominion (Time & Attention)

“I boast that I reclaimed what was taken quietly:

my attention, my mornings, my patience.

This year, I will not bleed hours for people

who would not cross a room for me.”

3. The Boast of Creation (With Teeth)

“I boast that I will build something that did not exist before—

and I will finish it while others are still discussing fonts.

It will be imperfect.

It will be undeniable.”

4. The Boast of Boundaries (The Clean ‘No’)

“I boast that I will no longer explain my refusals.

My ‘no’ will be brief.

My ‘yes’ will be expensive.

Access to me will be earned, not assumed.”

5. The Boast of Ascension (The Dangerous One)

“I boast that by next Yule,

I will have outgrown at least one fear,

one role,

and one story that kept me small.

Those who underestimated me

will have the comfort of silence.”

Pat’s Closing Instruction (Non-Negotiable)

• Speak one boast aloud

• Mean it

• Write it down

• Do not soften it for politeness

• Return to it next year and audit your courage

Post yours below!