Winter Solstice marks the time of the year when the light returns as the sun shifts and starts to move northward again. In Europe, the tradition of the Yule log is celebrated on Winter Solstice.  A special log is brought in and placed on the hearth where it glows for the twelve nights of the holiday season.  After that, it is kept in the house all year to protect the home and its inhabitants from illness and any adverse condition.  This is just one of many different annual customs of the Yule Log.

     In America, some annual customs of the Yule Log mirror those from Europe.  These customs are still practiced today. One in particular uses regular firewood.  Of all the firewood set aside for use that winter one perfect log is picked and used. It is brought inside the house and put in an area where guests and friends can easily see the log.  A wish is made by whoever puts their hand on the log. When the log is burned on Christmas Day all the wishes will come true in the upcoming year.

Yule Log Links -

The Yule Log - Website dedicated to the one and only original WPIX Yule Log telecast which first premiered in New York in 1966 and is now shown nationally across the country.

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