An Open Fire For Christmas

3 children infront of an open fire at Christmas

Christmas time is near. For many, Christmas means family, spending time with the ones you love and enjoying each other’s company in the safe and cosy environment of your home. Traditionally, the centerpiece of the home has always been the fireplace, but it becomes especially so at Christmas.

If you have an open fireplace in your home, then you can make Christmas time extra special. In this festive article, we’re looking at how your fireplace can become the heart of your wintry Christmas nights.

Decoration

Dressing up your home is one of the most exciting parts of the holidays, and the hearth should definitely be a priority. Hang up stockings for everyone in the family, and dress up the mantelpiece and hearth area with all the Christmas cards, miniature decorations, tinsel or whatever festive decor strikes your fancy. Of course, with an open fire, you need to make sure you’re not in danger of creating a fire hazard, but with a fireguard in place you can dress up an open fire to your heart’s content.

Christmas crafts and activities

Kids are prone to sectioning themselves off in their bedrooms nowadays, but Christmas is the perfect opportunity to bring the family together. With a roaring open fire, you have the perfect spot to let your children lose themselves in fun Christmas activities. From writing lists to Santa to crafting homemade cards for their friends and family, colouring Christmas books, wrapping presents or making their own Christmas decorations for the tree, an open fire will get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

Storytelling

A timeless tradition is to use the fireplace as the cosy backdrop while telling your favourite Christmas stories to your children. It’s something you can do throughout the run-up to Christmas, and what’s better than reading ‘The Night Before Christmas’ in front of a  crackling fire on Christmas Eve? You could also have your children write their own stories which they can read to you!

Christmas games

Put away the iPads, smartphones and laptops and get back to basics by hosting a family games night in your living room. Introduce your kids to some old favourite board games and card games, or learn some new ones to play together. There are loads of party games to dig into, from classics like Pictionary and Charades to Christmas-themed quizzes and bingo; it’s a great way of celebrating the season as a family, and can be a fun family tradition over the coming years.

Christmas movie nights

Let the fire set the mood for a snug movie night. Cuddle up on the rug, sofas and chairs and put on a vintage Christmas movie while the fire keeps you toasty. A spot of mulled wine, mince pies and hot chocolates will go down a treat while you relive some old favourites – or find some brand new ones. If you’re looking to get your kids off to sleep early on Christmas Eve, this could be the perfect opportunity.

Stay Safe

Of course, anytime you’re using your open fire this winter it’s important to stay safe. Kids love the glow, look and warmth of a fireplace, but they should stay well away from open flames. Use a fireguard to keep the flames at a safe distance, keep using the fire poker, sweeper and shovel, and make sure to not leave the fire unattended for long periods – overnight, for example.

Keep the fire going

The living room can really come to life during Christmas, and an open fire can play a large part in that. Now that the winter is upon us, it’s definitely time to stock up on fuel if you haven’t already. Make sure you have all the coal, firewood or smokeless fuels to see you through the winter months so you’re not forced to go without.

Coal Merchants UK can offer a range of solid fuel, available for next day and emergency delivery to customers in Cambridge, Northampton, London and the surrounding areas. If you’re in need of quality fuel for your fire this Christmas, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team today.