User Reviews

Many of you credit my site (theyulelog.com) for bringing the show back in 2001. As flattered as I am, nothing could be further from the truth. It is all of you fans that helped WPIX to realize what a true holiday tradition the program became over the years. From everyone involved with its production to the current management at WPIX along with those of us connected with the Yule Log website and of course the insightful sponsors of the program, we all thank you, the show's loyal fans. For without you, a cherished New York Christmas tradition right up there with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular would have been lost forever.

It's not Christmas at my house without the Yule Log! I remember as a boy, living in Jersey City--no fireplaces here-watching the log & listening to the great music every Christmas Eve. The Log would be a background for my family's Christmas celebrations, as well as giving us excellent holiday tunes while we were opening presents. I was saddened when it was pulled from the air (during the 80's?), but was amazed when I found a great group of "loggers" online the past few years. The past few years, the log has returned due to overwhelming demand. Some might say it's corny, but to me, it's not Christmas without the WPIX Yule Log. Hopefully they will have it on again this year!

Who couldn't love it? Some guy in the tech room at Channel 11 decides that he's going to show footage of a fireplace for four hours on Christmas Eve, repeated on Christmas morning, and accompany it with Christmas music. Throw in a stereo simulcast on FM radio, and you have a can't-miss hit. New York cavedwellers could at least get the FEEL of a nice Christmas fire.

Still, the show jumped the shark when they replaced the original 17-second footage from Gracie Mansion with a seven-minute reel shot in California ON THE FOURTH OF JULY! We have "same character, different actor" for the log, and, like on I Love Lucy, they jumped the shark again when they moved from NY to CA. All that is missing is to add Ted McGinley as the narrator!! Finally, the show jumped the shark as CSI did when it syndicated to other cities, including those where most people own homes and have access to fireplaces.

Don't get me wrong: I love the log, and back in the pre-internet, pre-cable (for most of us) days, it was a big event in New York and very often has won its time slot. Its beauty is in its simplicity, and it never grows old or tired. It also ensures that its younger audience will get exposed to the marvelous sounds of Christmas as sung by Percy Faith. Come to think of it, "The Christmas Song" also jumped the shark because it was recorded on a 100-degree day in the middle of summer, when the artist and crew tried to drum up "cool" imagery in an attempt to beat the heat.

Long live the log!

Wow. I can't believe no one has commented on this program.

For those who don't know, the show is a video loop of a log burning in a fireplace while holiday music plays in the background. In the early days, there was an FM stereo simulcast as well. Today, with stereo and dolby broadcasts the norm, it's not needed. However, it's still history.

Honestly, it's a corny program.

Honestly, it's a great memory and a part of my life.

We were fortunate enough to have a fireplace most years while I was growing up. However, we would still have the Yule Log on while we opened presents, even with our own "Yule Log" in the house. It was a nice reminder of the good fortune we did have and we did give thanks for it. It left the airwaves in 1989, and I left the area in 2000. I have just learned it is back on the air in NYC, and I couldn't be happier for everyone there. It's not action, it's not a story. It's a program for a time to have families be families together. May it grace the airwaves for generations to come... even if it's corny. :-)