Yule Love It

The burning yule log is symbolic of the light that will return after the dark days of early winter and gives us an excuse to gather with family and friends before a roaring fire.

The tradition is an old one, going back to the Druid custom of choosing a large log from an apple or oak tree, lighting it afire, and praying that it would burn forever.

In England, the log was selected months before Christmas. Because it was believed that all who brought it in from the woods would be protected against harm for the ensuing year, everyone lent a hand, making the event itself a festive time.

Custom also decreed that a piece from the previous year's log be saved to light the new log. As the yule log burned, everyone danced and cavorted in its heat and warmth, safe in the knowledge that the evil spirits would stay away for another year.

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A Christmas Meme

I found this meme on Travis Erwin's blog and thought I'd play, for the fun of it. Feel free to jump in yourself. :)

1. Eggnog or hot chocolate? Egg nog, please.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just put them under the tree? When my daughters were little, Santa never wrapped his gifts for them, but he does now. :)

3. Colored or white lights on tree/house? I like both, and I've had both on my tree. I think this year might be a white lights tree inside. Outside on the balcony, we have white icicle lights and colored lights on a small tree.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? No.

5. When do you put your decorations up? Outside, I try to have things ready to turn on December 1. Inside, well, that's a different story. Whenever I get things cleaned and can access the decorations in the mess that is called a storage room. :)

6. What is your holiday dish (excluding dessert)? I think it would have to be the turkey dinner -- stuffing is a favorite, as are cranberries. And I'm not sure I don't prefer the turkey cold, the day after. If dessert was included, a piece of GOOD mincemeat pie is a favorite with tea.

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child: I remember many happy times -- going to cut the tree with my Dad was always a favorite outing. I do remember a Christmas that I thought I really heard Santa and his sleigh! My Mom and Dad still tell the story. My godparents had horses, and it wasn't unusual for them to harness them to the sleigh and go for a night ride on Christmas Eve. One year, when I was trying desperately hard to fall asleep, I heard the bells on their sleigh as they pulled into our driveway and thought it was Santa, coming early! I dove under the covers and was scared to death Santa would know I was still awake! :)

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I was old, by many standards, when I found out Santa's secret. I think I must have been close to 12 years old when Charlie Ross just blurted it out, and I never cared much for him after that!

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Yes, one.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? With a wild assortment of ornaments -- some old, some new, some handmade, some store-bought.

11. Snow! Love it or dread it? Absolutely love it! (When all family and friends are safely off the roads, of course!)

12. Can you ice skate? I actually skate well. :)

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? My favorite gifts have always been the homemade things my daughters made over the years, young and old.

14. What’s the most important thing about the holidays for you? Being together with family.

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert? Probably mincemeat pie, because we only have it for Christmas, although I love fruitcake, too.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Christmas dinner at my parents, I think.

17. What tops your tree? An antique, glass spike that my parents bought for their first Christmas (similar, if not exactly, like this one).

18. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving? Giving, giving, giving...

19. What is your favorite Christmas song? "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year", sung by Andy Williams, is at the top of the list.