Design Crafters

"Yuletide" for "Christmastime" is a term
derived from the Yule Log, according to "Dictionary of Word and Phrase
Origins," by William and Mary Morris. In the old days, the Yule log was
used as the foundation of holiday fires. As recently as the 19th century,
bringing in the Yule log was as much a part of the pre-Christmas festivities as
putting up a Christmas tree is today. The word "Yule" can be traced
back as far as the Middle English "Yollen" which means cry aloud and
is thought to date from early Anglo-Saxon celebration of the discovery (after
the winter solstice) that the nights were getting shorter.

The custom of burning the Yule log flourished in England,
France, Germany
and among the South Slavs up until the 19th century.
Families carved a heavy wood block out of oak and would place it into the floor
of their hearth. It glowed throughout the year under the flames of household
fires. Gradually it became ash.

Most Christmas cards showing a roaring fire in the fireplace are showing off a Yule log even though the popularity has disipated since the 19th century. There are still references to it in old Christmas carols as well