It was 50 years ago tomorrow that some genius at station WPIX had the brilliant idea to show, instead of regular programming on Christmas Eve, a continuous loop of a crackling fire accompanied by holiday music. This to accommodate apartment-dwelling New Yorkers who might not have real-life fireplaces of their own.

That opening was not sarcastic. It really was a genius idea and was an instant classic in New York, eventually spreading to other cities and now enjoyed everywhere as a Christmas institution. Yes, both Netflix and the “On Demand” feature on your TV offer several versions of the “yule log,” and I’m sure there are other providers out there doing the same. My favorite these days is the Netflix option that doesn’t even have music—just the crackling and pip-popping of a gentle fire.

Yup. Living in the future.

Merry Christmas, everyone, and to all a cool yule.