What type of log originally from a pagan custom was traditionally burnt at Christmas?

The type of wood (log ) use varies from country to country. However, as a rule a hardwood tree such as Beech, Hazelwood, Oak, Holly (most used as it plentiful at that time of year)

The Yule Log was originally an entire tree, chosen and brought into the house with great ceremony. The largest end of the log would be placed into the fire hearth while the rest of the tree stuck out into the room! The log would be lit from the remains of the previous year's log which had been carefully stored away and slowly fed into the fire through the Twelve Days of Christmas. The concept was that the tree would heat and help cook foor over the festive period.