Ho, ho, no!

Sure, everybody says ‘‘Happy Holidays,’’ but do they really mean it? Do any of your sensitive secular friends and relations have any idea what people do if they’re not waiting for Santa under the mistletoe? Whether you’re ready for a quiet evening by the fire, a ritual to honor ancient gods and goddesses, or a singles dance, all of winter’s delights await you. Be merry — but only if you want to.

DRUMLIN FARM SOLSTICE Dec. 21

What better way to escape Christmas headaches than to sit around a cozy fire and tell stories? The whole family can snuggle up at Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Solstice program tonight. The evening starts with gathering around the farm’s massive stone fireplace to listen to stories about winter from around the world. Then, the group will take a walk by lantern light to visit the pigs, sheep, horses, and cows in the barnyard and learn how animals and plants prepare for their long winter rest. The 232-acre nature sanctuary is silent on a winter night, and the sky is black and clear. Finish your winter stroll by taking a good, long look at the stars. For ages 5 and up.

Drumlin Farm, 208 South Great Road, Lincoln. 781-259-2200. 4-5:30 p.m. and 7-8:30 p.m. $21, $18 Mass Audubon members. massaudubon.org

SOLSTICE CIRCLE YULE RITUAL Dec. 22

If you happen to look in on the Solstice Circle Yule Ritual at Braintree’s Open Doors bookshop tomorrow, parts of this Pagan ceremony might look a little familiar. ‘‘We’re going to be singing ‘Joy to the World,’’’ says Morwynna, the priestess who will lead the circle. ‘‘There’s a lot of overlap with Christmas, with the mother-and-child imagery.’’ The circle celebrates the return of the sun with poetry, candles, and a dramatic reenactment of the birth of the ‘‘sunchild.’’ Newcomers are actively welcomed; there will be a talk before the circle to explain the goings-on and time afterward to ask questions. ‘‘It takes longer to explain the ritual than to perform it,’’ Morwynna says wryly.

Open Doors Bookstore, 395A Washington St., Braintree. 781-843-8224. 7-9 p.m. opendoors7.com/home.htm

YULE CIRCLE Dec. 23

Yule, or the winter solstice, is the longest night of the year, when many Pagans celebrate the rebirth of the sun. ‘‘It’s a very spirited, happy time,’’ says Carolyn Kepes, director of Lap of the Goddess Productions, which hosts a Yule ritual that night. To help people reflect on the seasons, spirits, and their lives, celebrant Christopher Penczak will ritually form the circle, then tell the story of Yule, when the young sun god emerges from the dark. Drumming, chants, and a guided meditation will help participants discover ‘‘what it is within ourselves we are rebirthing at this time,’’ Kepes said. The group will share sweet cakes and drinks to celebrate the ‘‘sweetness of community’’ that helps people survive this dark time. Participants are encouraged to wear festive dress, and newcomers and people of all faiths are welcome: The entire ritual will be explained before the ceremony begins. ‘‘Lots of people can relate to Yule,’’ Kepes says.

Masonic Hall, 1950 Mass. Ave., Cambridge. 617-591-0209. Preregistration at 6:30 p.m.; ritual runs from 7-9. $15-$25 (sliding scale).

BOSTON MATZO BALL Dec. 24

If you’re game to ‘‘leave the jingle bells behind and get ready to hit the dance floor,’’ you can join the Society of Young Jewish Professionals at the 20th annual Boston Matzo Ball. The group promises a ‘‘chest-thumping, 360-degree sound system and hallucination-inducing light displays.’’ And if that isn’t enough to put Christmas cheer out of your mind, there will be plenty of single Jewish men and women on hand to distract you. Matzo Ball’s producer, Andy Rudnick, says, ‘‘You don’t have to be Jewish, straight, or single to attend. And if you don’t want to stay home, alone, and watch ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ for the 100th time, Matzo Ball is the place to be on Christmas Eve.’’

Avalon, 15 Lansdowne St., Boston. 617-262-2424. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. $25. matzoball.org