Day 2 of Yule: Winter Solstice

This post is part of my 12 Days of Yule series, inspired by the seasonal framework outlined by Pagan Grimoire. Yule is an ancient fire festival, meant to assure the return of the sun. The Yule Log, in some traditions, was meant to burn all night.

The Yule Log broadcast on WPIX-11, bringing the warmth of a fireplace into New York living rooms.

Long before TV stations played Home Alone on a 24-hour loop on Christmas, WPIX-11 broadcast The Yule Log. For New Yorkers without a fireplace, it brought Christmas music and a roaring fire to their living room televisions. A nice touch.

The Comfort of Fire on the Longest Night

Watching a controlled fire, whether it's a campfire, hearthfire or candle, is comforting and nostalgic. People instinctively know that fire means gathering, community, warmth, and reassurance.

On the Winter Solstice - the longest night of the year - the fire of the Yule log becomes more than light; it becomes reassurance. It’s meant to burn through the night, giving light to the darkness and reminding us of the sun’s return.

I hope you spend some contemplative time watching a fire tonight, and that it brings you comfort and security.