IN MY SHOES: Yule Be Home For Christmas
Though the apartment The Stiletto grew up in was commodious by New York standards (three bedrooms, 1.5 baths, seven full-sized closets), it had no fireplace. But Santa, being an especially resourceful fellow, would climb down the fire escape from the roof of our building to deliver the presents his little helpers had made for us back at the North Pole.
Not having a fireplace didn’t put a crimp in our holiday – especially since we could open our presents Christmas morning while watching a crackling fire on Channel 11. Starting in 1966 the WPIX-TV Yule Log became "a peculiarly New York tradition," according to The Associated Press:
"In a way, it was the first music video," said Mitch Thrower, whose father came up with the idea, "and the star was a burning log."
The log has burned for so long, at least in New York, that many anticipate its return as they do eggnog or ornaments.
"There's a sentimental attachment to it," said Chip Arcuri, who painstakingly re-recorded the soundtrack for this year's showing. "When you watch `The Yule Log,' at least for me personally, it brings back such poignant and personal memories of growing up." …
"There was something special about the fireplace they used. It was just magnificent. And the fire itself — it was a roaring, happy, mesmerizing fire. You can't compare to the original."
Some Yule Log trivia for those who shared The Stiletto’s family traditions when they were city kids:
† The fire – which burned for two to four hours, depending on how much air time WPIX set aside - was a seven-minute film loop that repeated continuously;
† The stately fireplace used is in Gracie Mansion, where the mayor lived; and
† WPIX cancelled the annual broadcast in 1989, but brought it back in 2001 to comfort the psychically traumatized citizens of New York who were still walking down the streets of Manhattan with tears streaming down their faces three months after 9/11. The Stiletto was one of them.
Folks around the country have a choice of watching the good old-fashioned WPIX-TV Yule Log – with the accompanying Christmas carols and Tin Pan Alley standards digitally remastered (a podcast is also available) – and a high-def version that has been airing on INHD since 2003. The AP claims the INHD picture is "so crisp you'll be tempted to reach for a poker."
The WPIX Yule Log will air Christmas morning from 9 am to noon EST on 10 other stations also owned by Tribune Broadcasting, as well as on the WGN Superstation.
The INHD Yule Log will air uninterrupted for 24 hours starting 7 am EST on Christmas Day.
Editorial Note:
Some rich businessman ponied up $280,000 for a handwritten copy of "A Visit From St. Nicolas." Here it is for free - have yourself a merry little Christmas now. The Stiletto will resume publishing on Wednesday, December 27, 2006.
Stocking Stuffer: Here’s a Star Trek version of this holiday chestnut.
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