my variation

 In ancient times it was tradition to burn the Yule Log, a huge log, on the hearth to welcome the return of the sun at the winter solstice.

The log was burned to honor the sun and encourage its return.  In case you're interested the winter solstice this year occurs at 10:03 am tomorrow, December 21.  

So hang in their friends, after tomorrow the days will start getting longer. Hooray!

We personally can't burn a yule log because our hearth is lined with nutcrackers and, since they are all made of wood they would not fare well.

Aren't they handsome?

But about that Yule Log.  I wanted to do something to visually echo the idea of the Yule Log.  Each year my spouse buys 20 jars of "Cherries, Berries and Nuts" (10 with dark chocolate, 10 without) as gifts for all the family.  I decided to display them in a double row on our coffee table.  I know they will bring good fortune to anyone who eats them and if I squint they sort of look like a log, don't they?  If you can envision a log covered with red and green bows.

By the way. we decided to put everyone's gifts on the coffee table instead of under the tree because it was easier for us to check and make sure all the gifts are there.  It's not that I can't get down on my hands and knees.  That's easy.  But, you know, what goes down must get up and therein lies the problem.  So my spouse and I will enjoy our family Christmas gift exchange while comfortably seated on the sofa.