DIY Yule Log Stack

Bring the outdoors in with this DIY Yule log stack, using logs, winter greens, and holiday ribbon.

The Yule log originated in Norway as part of the winter solstice, then spread throughout Europe and beyond. A Yule log (sometimes an entire tree trunk) fed the fire through the 12 days of Christmas.

Nowadays, Yule logs are used as centerpieces, decor or burned in a fireplace (as long as only fire-appropriate materials are used) and edible Yule logs, or Buche de Noel, are gorgeous holiday desserts.

This was our first Yule log, prompted by my mom’s desire to enjoy winter greens and their holiday smell in the house. We decided on a three log stack to give a solid base and lots of room to attach greenery. A single log may work better if using as a table centerpiece, but make sure to cut a flat bottom so the log won’t roll.

With our young kiddos, we added LED lights instead of candles (a more traditional component of a decorative Yule log). For us, lights are safer and required less maintenance. If you put the Yule log outside, use exterior LED lights.

We are fortunate to live near woods and found some downed limbs for our Yule log stack, reversible pumpkin snowman and tree branch reindeer. Logs are also available for purchase at grocery stores and nurseries. Any winter greens look great for this holiday decor. We gathered holly, pine, cedar, and arborvitae. Ask friends and family if they have any winter greens. In a pinch, pick up plastic greens from a craft store. When winter greens start to dry and drop needles after about a week, replace with freshly cut greens. Display outside to avoid dry needles in the house.

@creativelyhome

🪵✨ DIY Yule log stack ✨🪵 Except for cutting the logs, kids can help secure the logs together with wire, wrap with lights, and decorate with greens and ribbon. Older kids can even help trim and collect greens-with supervision and assistance. For tutorial, search “Yule” at creativelyhome.com. #christmas #christmasdecor #christmascrafts #diyyulelog #wintercraft #kidcraft #diy #christmasdecorations #wintercrafts #christmastiktok

♬ White Christmas – The Drifters

More Holiday Crafts

If you love this project, check out some other fall and winter crafts:

• Paper Mache Pumpkin Decor
• Kid’s Thanksgiving Cornucopia
• Repurposed Kid-Made Wrapping Paper
• Easy Mickey and Minnie Mouse Ornaments

DIY Yule Log Stack – Materials:

How to Make DIY Yule Log Stack

1. Gather Logs and Greenery

We found a long, downed branch in the woods near our home and cut it into 1′ lengths using a miter saw or hand saw.

Clip whatever winter greenery you have available. Ask friends and family if they have any winter greens or consider picking up some artificial greens at a craft store. Gather pinecones (if they are in your area).

Kids are great nature gatherers and will enjoy choosing greens for the project. Adults should do the log cutting and green clipping.

2. Secure Logs Together

Stack logs into a pyramid, two in the base and one on top. Cut two lengths of wire and wrap around each end of the stack, about 4” from the end. Make sure the wire ends are tucked in so they don’t poke kiddos inserting greenery. Add rubber bands to the top log to hold greenery in place.

Kiddos can twist the wire ends together; an adult may need to give it an extra couple of twists to ensure a tight fit.

3. Decorate Yule Log Stack

Wrap LED lights in and around the log stack.

Let kiddos take the lead on decorating. Attach greenery to the Yule log stack by pushing the ends under the wire and rubber bands.

Wrap a length of wire around a pinecone then attach to the log stack. Continue adding greens until the wires, rubber bands, and light wires are covered.

Wrap a length of ribbon around the center of the stack and knot to secure. Add a bow in the middle.

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