Yule Blogging

Curiously, in the U.S. the yule log has also become a modern pop culture tradition in the form of a TV screen in one's home showing video of an actual yule log burning in a real fireplace. For those who aren't entirely up on cultural traditions, a yule log is a large log which is burned in the fireplace hearth as a part of traditional Yule or Christmas celebrations in some cultures. However, the intriguing fact is that for more than a generation, families in certain U.S. cities have warmed their holiday gatherings with "televised" yule logs. These videos are typically accompanied by Christmas music and actual crackling sounds of a real fire. Sounds like a warm idea, right?

Nowadays, this happens to be a very popular trend on DVDs, but it began on a whim in 1966 by Fred Thrower, former TV programming director for WPIX in New York City. Fred wanted to offer a yule log for the majority in New York City who had no real fireplace of their own. This televised event has been offered for several hours each year (on Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day) as a video greeting card to viewers, and is currently syndicated across the U.S. And, due to popularity, many others have offered their own versions over the years on TV as well as on the internet.

Here, Slate Video briefly explores the history, and the online future, of the small-screen hearth.



So, if you're shopping for a convenient way to enjoy a nice, seasonal yule tide tradition, without the hassle of installing the fireplace, switch over to the "Yule Log" channel (is this even available on DirecTV?) or surf around online until you find that perfect mock-fireplace DVD. And settle down next to the Christmas tree for a warm, cozy little retreat.