Annual Yule Log ceremony to take place Saturday

The Yule Log Each person at the ceremony is given a sprig of holly and asked to brush it against the yule log as it passes by for good luck. Later, they throw the sprig into the fire, symbolizing the disposal of all cares and troubles of the past year. Photo by Stephen Salpukas

Ginger Ambler Vice President for Student Affairs Ginger Ambler threw a sprig of holly onto the fire during the celebration last year. Photo by Stephen Salpukas

Gentlemen of the College The Gentlemen of the College, an a capella group, will perform during the ceremony. Photo by Stephen Salpukas

A reading of Seuss Wiliam & Mary President Taylor Reveley will read from Dr. Seuss classic "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" during the ceremony. Photo by Stephen Salpukas.

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by Christina Bullock '10 | December 10, 2009

One of William & Mary's most treasured holiday traditions will take place Saturday in the Wren Courtyard. Omicron Delta Kappa and Mortar Board invite the College community to the annual Yule Log Ceremony on Dec. 12. Festivities will begin at 6 p.m. and include music by the Gentlemen of the College and seasonal readings from cultural and faith traditions.

"The Yule Log ceremony is one of William & Mary's most cherished traditions," said Virginia Ambler, vice president for student affairs. "It comes each December as a welcome, celebrative pause in the midst of final exams -- a time for enjoying festive music, sharing familiar stories and seasonal reflections, and savoring the warmth of cider and friendship,"

Every attendee will receive a sprig of holly to toss into the Yule Log fire in the Wren Building's historic Great Hall.

Ambler explained, "We cast away the cares of the past year as our sprigs of holly are tossed on the burning Yule log in the Great Hall fireplace -- joy!"

College community members are also encouraged to donate a dollar for the campus charity drive to welcome the holiday season. As in past years, refreshments will be served at the ceremony, as well as a special appearance by Saint Nick with the reading of Dr. Seuss' "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."

Kira Allmann, Mortar Board president, said that the organization is proud and excited to be co-sponsoring the event with ODK.

"This is a highlight of our year on Mortar Board because of the sense of campus community that the ceremony embodies as well as the charity fundraising that we do in conjunction with it," she said. "Mortar Board is an organization that places great value on scholarship, leadership, and service, but we also care a lot about camaraderie.

"It's just wonderful for us to be able to participate in a campus event that is both a service to the outside community and a fun and festive Tribe tradition that brings everyone together to ring in the holiday season."