Making a Yule Log: A Simple Tradition That Slows the Season

In the rush of the Christmas season, it’s easy to let meaningful moments slip by. We decorate, shop, cook, wrap, and rush—often without pausing to truly experience the season. One tradition that invites us to slow down and reflect is the making of a Yule log.

Long before Christmas lights and electric fireplaces, families gathered around the hearth. The Yule log was carefully chosen, brought inside with intention, and burned as a symbol of warmth, protection, and light during the darkest days of winter. Over time, this simple log became a reminder of hope—that light would return, that warmth would endure, and that home was a place of refuge.

Today, making a Yule log doesn’t require a roaring fireplace or strict tradition. It can be as simple or as meaningful as you choose.

Choosing Your Log

Start by selecting a sturdy log—oak, birch, or any solid wood you have access to. The size doesn’t matter; what matters is the intention behind it. Some people prefer a log from their own land or a place that holds meaning. Others choose one that simply “feels right.” There’s no wrong choice here.

Decorating with Purpose

Once your log is chosen, it’s time to adorn it. Natural elements work beautifully—pine greenery, twine, cinnamon sticks, dried oranges, berries, or sprigs of cedar. These simple additions remind us of God’s creation and the beauty found in what grows right outside our doors.

If you like, tuck a handwritten prayer, a scripture verse, or a list of blessings beneath the greenery. This transforms the log from decoration into a quiet altar of gratitude and reflection.

A Moment to Reflect

Before placing the Yule log on the hearth, mantel, or table, pause. Gather your family, or take a moment alone. Reflect on the year behind you—what stretched you, what surprised you, what strengthened your faith. Consider what you’re carrying into the new year and what you’re ready to lay down.

For Christians, the Yule log can also point us toward Christ—the true Light of the world—whose birth we celebrate this season. Just as the log was meant to bring warmth and light, Jesus came to bring hope, peace, and redemption into a dark world.

A Tradition Made Your Own

Some families burn their Yule log on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Day. Others keep it as a seasonal decoration, revisiting it throughout December as a visual reminder to slow down and be present. You may even choose to save a small piece to light next year’s log, symbolizing continuity and faithfulness through the seasons.

However you choose to observe it, the beauty of the Yule log lies not in perfection, but in presence.

In a world that constantly demands more, making a Yule log invites us to do less—to gather, to reflect, and to remember that light still shines, even in the darkest season.

Making the Yule Log

Fresh greenery gives the Yule log its wonderful, woodsy scent, while holly berries add the perfect touch of festive red. Using a variety of natural elements not only enhances the fragrance, but also creates visual interest through layered textures—one of my favorite parts of this project.

Creating the Fire Starter

Once you’ve gathered your greenery, the first step in preparing the Yule log is making a fire starter with a wick for lighting.

To do this, I line a muffin tin with brown paper cupcake liners. Inside each liner, I place chunky wax melts (I use ones from Tractor Supply), along with star anise and cinnamon sticks to help hold the wick upright. Then I pour melted wax from a candle warmer or candle lamp until it reaches the top of the liner.

Before the wax sets, I add dried orange slices and a few more cinnamon sticks on top. These fire starters can also be used on their own—simply place one in a fire pit or fireplace and it will burn like a candle until your kindling catches.

Making the Bow

I create the bows using paper raffia in red, white, and natural tones. The mix keeps it rustic while still feeling festive.

Preparing the Log

For the log itself, I use a birch log from Hobby Lobby. I begin by finding the center of the log and wrapping a folded piece of burlap around the middle.

Next, I build the greenery foundation:

• I start with red cedar, overlapping four pieces at the center.
  
• Then I add two sprigs of holly on each side, choosing sprigs with the fullest berry clusters.
  
• On top of that, I layer cedar cut from one of my own cedar trees.
  

Once the greenery is arranged, I wrap the burlap around it and hot glue it securely in place. After that sets, I hot glue the bow on top and attach a tag so it hangs down the front. The fire starter is then hot glued into position.

Final Touches

The finishing details bring the log to life. I randomly add more greenery, pinecones, cinnamon sticks, acorns, dried orange slices, and lamb’s ear on both sides, keeping the look natural and balanced rather than overly perfect.

Once finished, the Yule log is ready to give—a meaningful, fragrant gift that celebrates warmth, tradition, and the beauty of the season.

Make Your Own Yule Log

Want to make your own Yule Log? Download this one page “How To” instruction sheet and reflect on this past year, as you design.

If you make one (or more), I’d love to hear about it! And if you haven’t seen it already, check over on Facebook for a quick video of me making the fire starters. (And grab some free tags for your yule logs too!)