All of these are by Robert Herrick (1591-1674)

THE YULE LOG

Come, bring with a noise,
My merry, merry boys,

The Christmas log to the firing;
While my good dame, she
Bids ye all be free,

And drink to your heart’s desiring.
With the last year’s brand
Light the new block, and

For good success in his spending,
On your Psaltries play,
That sweet luck may

Come while the log is tending.

This next one is for Candlemas, which is usually February 2nd. This is also celebrated as Imbolic, and also, at times, falls around the Lunar New Year. Funny all that. I include it as a precursor to a new season…

THE CEREMONIES FOR CANDLEMAS DAY

Kindle the Christmas brand, and then
Till sunset let it burn;
Which quench'd, then lay it up again,
Till Christmas next return.

Part must be kept, wherewith to teend
The Christmas log next year;
And where 'tis safely kept, the fiend
Can do no mischief there

May your darkest hour wander happily into daylight once more.
--TDD