In the present day, when popular literature is running into the low levels of life, and luxuriating on the vices and follies of mankind; and when the… - Washington Irving

The grate had been removed from the wide overwhelming fireplace to make way for a fire of wood, in the midst of which was an enormous log glowing and blazing, and sending forth a vast volume of light and heat: this, I understood, was the Yule-clog, which the squire was particular in having brought in and illumined on a Christmas Eve, according to ancient custom.* * The Yule-clog is a great log of wood, sometimes the root
of a tree, brought into the house with great ceremony on
Christmas Eve, laid in the fireplace, and lighted with the
brand of last year's clog. While it lasted there was great
drinking, singing, and telling of tales. Sometimes it was
accompanied by Christmas candles; but in the cottages the
only light was from the ruddy blaze of the great wood fire.
The Yule-clog was to burn all night; if it went out, it was
considered a sign of ill luck.

They claim to be the first inventors of those recondite beverages, cocktail, stonefence, and sherry cobbler.

I profess not to know how women's hearts are wooed and won. To me they have always been matters of riddle and admiration.