CHRISTMAS IN A WORLD LIT BY FIRE

From the mists of the pagan past, the custom of dragging in a near tree trunk to provide heat for the festivities was adapted to celebrate Christmas.

The log was selected well ahead of time and allowed to dry. It would be taken into the house on Christmas Eve and was lit with a piece from the previous year's Yul log. The log was expected to cook the dinner, heat the nog and wassail, and provide a merry flame all through Christmas Day as well. If it failed to last for the full day, it was considered an ill-omen for the coming year.