The Yule Log is mentioned in Christmas songs, shown burning on cable channels during the holiday and even made into a cake during the Christmas season. So what exactly is a Yule Log?

The Yule log is a winter tradition that involves burning a large log in a fireplace or hearth. The tradition is believed to have originated in Germanic or Scandinavian paganism as an early winter solstice ritual. The earliest references to the tradition are from 17th century German texts, but it's thought to have been practiced for centuries before that.

Adopted by Christians, the tradition used the lighting of the Yule log to symbolize the birth of Jesus or his triumph over sin. In many Christian households, a piece of the previous year's Yule log would be used to light the new one, signifying the passing of tradition and family unity.

There is the famous Yule Log cake for those who don't have a fireplace or want to celebrate the season a bit sweeter. The cake version of the Yule log emerged in France during the 1800's. The cake is made by rolling a sponge cake around a filling and frosting it to resemble a log. There are many versions but the most popular involve layers of chocolate with a cream filling.

Last, and most relaxing, is the Yule Log TV Channel which plays a video of a burning fir around the clock. It was originally broadcast on WPIX in New York City from 1966. You can now find the service on Netflix, YouTube and numerous other sources.

But we found another Yule Log tradition for for local country music fans. Watching and listening to Jon Pardi, who frequents the Flora-Bama, sing his Beer For Santa (Official Yule Log Video)