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| Steps to assemble a Yule Log centerpiece. |
"The old north breeze thro' the skeleton trees, is chanting the year out drearily; but loud let it blow, for at home we know that the dry logs crackle cheerily." Albert Smith
The Yule Log was a great log of wood, sometimes the root of a tree, brought into the house with great ceremony on Christmas Eve, laid in the fire-place, and lighted with the brand of last year's log. While it lasted there was great drinking, singing, and telling of tales. Sometimes it was accompanied by Christmas candles; but in the primitive cottage the only light was from the ruddy blaze of the great wood fire. The Yule Log was to burn all night; if it went out, it was considered a sign of ill luck.
Supply List:
- a dry log
- drill press - woodworking tool
- candles tapers or other sizes if you prefer
- bit to fit the press that is the same size of the candles
- greenery collected together to trim the log: pine cones, red berries, holly etc...
- optional feet cut from branches to stabilize the log
- thin wire for attaching greenery
Step-by-Step Process:
- Select a clean, dry log of medium size for decorating the center of your Christmas table.
- This log may have a flatish bottom or your may need to cut pegs from scrap branches to keep the log from rolling while on display. (see photos)
- Choose a drill bit the same diameter as the candles you wish to use inside of the yule log and drill several inches into the log. If some of these are deeper than others and the candles don't fit exactly, just stuff cotton down inside of the holes to even the candle heights in the beginning.
- Wire in Yule Log greenery in an attractive fashion.
- You may also wish to display a Yule Log inside of your fire surround or fireplace instead of burning logs. This always adds a romantic touch during the holidays and is far less messy!
Yule Log Plant & Candle Meanings:
- English Ivy - symbolizes eternal life
- Holly/Holiday Berries and Mistletoe - good luck, protection
- Pine Cones - symbolize resurrection
- Juniper Sprigs - symbolize healing
- Candles - white symbolize "light", red symbolize determination, green prosperity
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| Close up of plants used to trim our Yule log. |
"These are glowing today for very joy, each in the measure of its greatness, like the wax candles which burn big and bright if they are big, little and bright if they are little, but are all flaming heavenward in rapture. Christmas is for everybody. To each of us the Child was born, and the world that was redeemed is our world. The merry greetings of Christmas morning are but symbols of that redemption. The children's happiness, the neighborly good-will, the generous deed are at once memorials of that pure dawn of long ago, and prophecies of a day more perfect still. Indeed, when we truly keep Christmas in the heart, the heavens are so near - the earth that the angelic voices are like the voices of those we love, and the faces of those we love shine like the faces of the angels. We forget the poor gift, the half-filled stocking, the anxiety. We think only of the perfection that is so close, after all, to our imperfection. To live but one day in good-will to all men is to anticipate and hasten that day when all men shall live in good-will. It is thus that the candles now lighted in the heart shall also be." Perry
