The Yule Log
  
We often wonder about the traditions of old,
And question where they may have begun,
How long ago they played a part,
And what origins their beliefs had come from,

Traditions run deep and often tell,
Of our ancestors way of living,
Celebrations and festivities,
And excuses for generously giving,

It’s origins in Scandinavia, were before Christmas,
Yule means no work, long as the chosen log burns,
It required gathering family, friends, and neighbors,
For songs and stories, dancing, romance and fun,

The burning of the Yule log,
Was a winter solstice celebration,
From prior to the forth century,
Now observed in nearly every nation,

Offerings of food and decorations were placed upon the log,
With each persons bad choices and mistakes,
All were burned in the flame, so everyone’s New Year,
Could start with a fresh clean slate,

Then Yule came to celebrate the light of the Savior,
As it did, the fire of the solstice's new sun,
And Christmas traditions carried on the rituals,
To symbolize the eternal light of heaven,

When the log was brought into the home,
As in France, A special carol was sung,
A prayer for health, mothers and abundant harvests,
And there, a new tradition had begun,

They moved the Yule log from the fire to the table,
How this transition happened, nobody can really tell,
But they made a cake that looked like the log,
And called it “Buche de Noel”

So, whether it burns in the fireplace, or we eat it,
We can all share in this timeless celebration,
Even if it’s a decorated log centerpiece, or candle,
The spirit of the Yule Log is an ageless Holiday tradition.