The burning of the yule log, a custom which lasted into the present century and is still not entirely extinct, was a ceremonial way of producing midwinter heat and light and had sacrificial significance. To an accompaniment of jollity, the log was dragged into the house on Christmas Eve and set to burn throughout the feast. The word “Yule” is of Norse origin and refers to the midwinter festival. For many centuries it has existed in the English language as a recognised alternative to Christian terms.

The seventeenth century Puritans who, under Cromwell, tried to ban Christmas celebrations for being both Popish and Pagan, used as one motto: “Yule-tide is fool-tide”. They made it a criminal offence to eat mince pies. The word “Noel” may mean the start of the New Year, but for at least eight centuries it has been used as a musical shout of joy for the birth of Jesus.