1. What is Yuletide?

The answer to this question is in multiple parts:

1.a. The Yuletide phenomenon is an annual supernatural occurrence in which Papa Yule distributes gifts.

1.b. Papa Yule is an entity closely connected with the Yuletide phenomenon.

1.c. The Yuletide season is a collection of cultural practices loosely associated with (a) and/or (b).

2. When is Yuletide?

This question should properly read "Where and when is Yuletide?".

2.a. Yule proper occurs everywhere that will be within Earth's umbra at the moment of the southern solstice (winter in the northern hemisphere, summer in the southern hemisphere), and lasts for the duration for which that location is within Earth's umbra (sunset to sunrise). The choice of reference frame is constrained by safety issues (gifts should not destructively collide with their surroundings).

2.b. The Yuletide season lasts for 22.5 degrees of arc (1/16 revolution) before and after the southern solstice. This typically begins around November 29-30 and ends around January 13-14.

3. Who receives gifts?

Papa Yule distributes gifts only within the bounds of Yuletide proper, and only to locations that have given some sort of visible sign of invitation. Belief is not required, nor are there moral or religious requirements (although some types of gifts may be restricted to individuals who will handle them responsibly).

Examples of valid invitations include:

+ a glass of milk and a plate of cookies, both untouched

+ decorative stockings hung by the hearth

+ a piece of paper with "Welcome Santa" visible

Examples of invalid invitations include:

* a half-drunk glass of milk and a half-eaten cookie (neglected leftovers are ambiguous and therefore cannot be taken as an invitation)

* actual socks left by the fire to dry out

* a written invitation, placed face-down so that the text is not visible

4. What is the relationship between Yuletide and Christmas?

Yuletide predates its Christianization in the fourth century CE, and Papa Yule has recently arrived at the view that the conflation of Yuletide with Christmas is harmful to both. As of this writing, there is no longer any official connection, and we discourage the conflation.

5. Who do you mean by "we"? Are there elves? Are they slaves?

The North Pole facility is staffed entirely by volunteers. While extended exposure to Yuletide can have (largely benign or beneficial) effects on appearance, health, lifespan, mood, and dietary requirements, we have no reason to believe that those affected are anything other than human in an ontological or spiritual sense.

6. Is Papa Yule the devil?

With the caveat that Papa Yule has only as much direct knowledge of the matter as anyone else, it so happens that he is personally a Christian and therefore affirms that Jesus Christ came in the flesh.