New York Christmas Meditation: Watch a Yule Log Loop

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Want to spend a peaceful hour or two at Christmastide taking a break from the coronavirus?

Try watching some merrily-burning logs on a screen — it's a New York tradition.

The original "Yule Log" ran on WPIX in 1966. It was filmed at Gracie Mansion in New York City, back when John V. Lindsay was mayor. Just an endlessly looped video of a crackling fire in a fireplace, the Yule Log provided an opportunity to take a soothing break from the Christmas rush. People wrapped presents to it, drank cocoa or simply sat on the couch and watched it.

When the original tape degraded, a new Yule Log was filmed in California in 1970 on 35 mm film, according to PIX.com. In the first year of the coronavirus pandemic, the TV station offered both on a special schedule.

Since it's 2021, you have more choices.

• The National Post reviewed four streaming services' Yule Log offerings. Read about them here.
• There's one all-nighter on GAC Family. Learn more here.
• There are at least four versions on YouTube, including one with a gryphon and one with the Phillie Phanatic (!). Watch the latter here.

And to add to the ambience, try one of these Three Great Eggnog Recipes posted on Patch in 2018.