" What is that? Is it really? No way! Can we cut a piece now? "

Don’t bother slaving over dozens of sugar, butter, or gingerbread cookies — or, for that matter, the construction of a trifling trifle. After all, it’s only a string-tied, white box from Mike’s Pastry that contains the makings of a true party conversation piece.

Much like wassailing, Yule logs are something everyone has heard about in Christmas carols, but few have actually seen or savored. And, for that reason, a rum-soaked, raspberry-filled chocolate-cake roll from Mike’s Pastry quickly becomes the dessert of sole interest among the many plates that swamp holiday parties.

Shaped like a freshly cut log (complete with knots) and slathered with chocolate-butter-cream frosting, Mike’s Yule logs are a far cry from their origin: the pagan tradition of burning an enormous log to celebrate the winter solstice, or Yuletide. That custom evolved into part of Christmas Eve celebrations throughout Europe, including Italy and France, where the wooden log was eventually replaced with the delicious form we enjoy today: the bûche de Noël pastry.

Available for $25 and up from Mike’s Pastry, 300 Hanover Street, in Boston. Call (617) 742-3050.