December 22, 2007 

ule is today. Yule is also known as Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. The sun is now swinging back for longer and longer days until the Summer Solstice in June. This Yule Log, in the picture, my friend made me out of section of Birch log. She does an excellent decoration job. I should hire her for my interior decorator. A Yule Log is is a large log which is burned in the hearth as a part of traditional Yule or Christmas celebrations in some cultures. It can be a part of the Winter Solstice festival or the Twelve Days of Christmas, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or Twelfth Night. 

On or about Christmas eve, a big log was brought into a home or large hall. Songs were sung and stories told. Children danced. Offerings of food and wine and decorations were placed upon it. Personal faults, mistakes and bad choices were burned in the flame so everyone's new year would start with a clean slate. The log was never allowed to burn completely, a bit was kept in the house to start next years log. The log brought good luck. Any pieces that were kept protected a house from fire, or lightning, or hail. Ashes of the log would be placed in wells to keep the water good. Ashes were also placed at the roots of fruit trees and vines to help them bear a good harvest. The remains of my Yule log (not the one my friend made me, but a section of the rest of that particular log), is laying in the snowy driveway to cool to use for next year. I had mine in the woodstove. 

Tonight I have a Solstice party and a bonfire, wassail, ham dinner and I made fresh made bread and materials for S'mores. Dog sled rides are anticipated by the wee kids, and I was warned my dogs may get renamed. 

Cinnamon Bear Episode 25: Betrayed by Crazy Quilt
With the silver star now safe, and the Wintergreen Witch turned into a wreath, Santa offers to take Judy, Jimmy, Paddy, and Crazy Quilt back to the attic, but Crazy Quilt wants to remain in the snow country. As the group climbs into Santa's sleigh, Jimmy hands Crazy Quilt the silver star for just a minute - and, true to his nature, Crazy Quilt dashes off with it.