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Where did that TV Yule Log come from?
Americans without a fireplace can just turn on their TVs at Christmastime and get an hours-long loop of a burning log, often with a soundtrack of Christmas carols. Where did that start? In 1966, a New York City TV station was short on Christmas Eve programs to show. But someone had the idea to go to the home of New York City Mayor John Lindsay. There, they set up a camera and broadcast full-color footage of his fireplace. However, the station was never invited back. They had removed the screen from in front of the fire and sparks started to catch an antique rug on fire. But other TV stations copied the idea, and the tradition began.