The Yule log came from Scandinavian mythology. The winter months were long and hard, so a huge tree was found, cut down, hauled into the house, and lit afire in honor of Thor, the Viking god of war. It was believed that Thor would bless them with prosperity during the following year in reward for this ceremony held during Yule, which is the Anglo-Saxon word for the months of December and January. The Anglo-Saxons called December “the former Yule” and January “the after Yule.” When most of the Scandinavians converted to Christianity, the burning of the Yule log became a part of the Christmas celebration, and the word Yule became synonymous with Christmas. The burning of the Yule log is still practiced today, though it is more prominent in European celebrations and has lost its Scandinavian meaning except with the handful of neopagans who seek to revive the old ways.
(from: http://www.mrrena.com/Christmas.shtml)

The 3 stages of man: He believes in Santa Claus. He doesn't believe in Santa Claus.
He is Santa Claus!