Yule log

A yule log is a large wooden log which is burned in the hearth as a part of traditional Yule or modern Christmas celebrations in several European cultures. It may also be associated with the Winter Solstice festival or the Twelve Days of Christmas, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or Twelfth Night.

Empath: The Luckiest Smurf stories
In the EMPATH: The Luckiest Smurf story series, the traditional yule log is cut down by Timber Smurf and burned by the Smurfs on the night of the Winter Solstice to ward away evil spirits in the village during the season. Tapper, being a Christian, does not participate in this event.