TV Yule Log
Several years ago, one teacher at my school in D.C. led a raucous laugh session in our hall. When asked what the laughing was all about, he said, “Have you seen this? It’s a video of a log burning in a fireplace. A log. Burning. In a fireplace. Oh, and there’s Christmas music. I mean, nothing happens. It’s just a LOG!”
Somewhat astonished that my compadres did not know about this sacred NYC tradition, I said, “You’ve never heard of the Yule Log?” More laughter.
Realization hit me like a smack on the back of the head from Leroy Jethro Gibbs. (Gimme a break. Our school was close to the real NCIS in D.C.) “Oh, my gosh! Only New Yorkers know about the Yule Log!”
So, for those who wonder about a burning log set to Christmas music on television, here’s the heartwarming (but not hand-warming) story.
A Bit of History
Back in the 60s, folks at the New York City television station WPIX-11 thought most apartment-dwelling families in NYC were missing one element of Christmas: a fireplace. So, a team took a camera over to the mayor’s residence, Gracie Mansion, built a fire in the fireplace, and filmed it for 17 seconds. From those 17 seconds, they created a 3-hour loop and dubbed it “The Yule Log.” They broadcast it on Christmas morning with a musical simulcast of Christmas music on the WPIX radio station. Best part? No commercials! Uninterrupted simulated fireplace!
As television became a bit more refined, people demanded better visuals, so the production staff updated it by shooting a whopping six minutes and three seconds of burning log. WPIX ran the loop Christmas day—with music and no commercials.
Log Burn-Out
Somehow, people tired of burning logs on a TV screen. (How???) The station did a little freak out about all the revenue it was missing by running the burning branch sans commercials. Sadly, PIX cancelled the Yule Log in the early 90s.
Despondent log-watchers despaired. In the late 90s, an intrepid Yule-viewer managed to mount the three-hour loop on the internet (back then, capital I for Internet). Joy reigned once again, at least for those with access to that newfangled screen connection.
In 2001, the tragedy of 9/11 impacted all Americans, especially New Yorkers.
WPIX knew it had one small program it could offer to comfort to grieving New Yorkers. The production team digitally restored the film, lengthened the loop to four hours, and remounted the Yule Log on Christmas Day.
Keeping the Home Fires Burning
Even now, WPIX-11 continues the Yule Log tradition from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on Christmas Day. However, there are plenty of opportunities to stream the “non-event,” including on the PIX website and many other streaming services.
Yes, D.C. and non-New York Metropolitan friends, there is a Yule Log burning on television this Christmas. It’s a (figuratively) warm tradition New Yorkers are willing to share, even if you laugh out loud.
Merry, merry, and happy, happy to all.