Holidays are the perfect time of year to share family traditions around the fireplace or wood stove and create new memories that will last a lifetime. And just because its cold outside doesn’t mean the kids and family are stuck inside without anything to do. You can enjoy many of your favorite outdoor activities and create new ones for the whole family. Instead of watching television, here are a few holiday traditions to partake around the warmth of the hearth.
Make Some S’mores
S’mores are a favorite campfire tradition that is perfect for enjoying around the fireplace. They are easy to make too. All you need are a bag or two giant puffy marshmallows, wooden or metal skewers, chocolate pieces, and graham crackers. Skewer a giant marshmallow on the stick and dangle it over the fire. Be careful to avoid touching the flames with your marshmallow.
Slowly turn the skewer, so the marshmallow is toasted and golden brown. Then place the marshmallow on top of the chocolate on the bottom half of the graham cracker. Use another graham cracker for the top half while sliding the marshmallow off the skewer to create the sandwich. They are oh so gooey good.
You can also dip your toasted marshmallow in a bowl of melted chocolate and roll in peanuts for a crunchy tasty treat. Or you can enjoy them straight off the stick (after it cools). Yum!
Sing Christmas Carols
Singing Christmas carols is another fun and memorable holiday tradition. It is especially festive when the entire family gathers around the fireplace and joins in. You can also have each family member choose their favorite holiday song. We Wish You A Merry Christmas, O Holy Night, and the First Noel are some of the most popular songs. And, of course, Jingle Bells is a children’s classic. After singing, enjoy some Christmas cookies with Eggnog or Hot Chocolate. And it’s always better topped with whipped cream.
Read a Christmas Story
Reading your favorite Christmas stories is another favorite holiday pastime. It’s even more fun when each family member takes turns reading aloud. Dim the lights and let the backdrop of the flames in the fireplace light up the room for a more festive experience reminiscent of those moon-lit summertime campfires.
Decorate the Mantle
Decorating the mantle for the holidays is a fun and memorable tradition for the entire family. There is a virtually endless opportunity of decorations limited only by your imagination. Have everyone decorate their own Christmas stocking and hang them on the mantle. You can also decorate the mantle with garland, scented pinecones, family photos, and Christmas lights. Just be careful to use non-combustible materials and don’t let decorations dangle in front of the fire.
Trim the Christmas Tree
Perhaps, the most popular holiday tradition is trimming the Christmas tree. It’s a great way to celebrate the start of the season with the entire family while the wood-burning fireplace is keeping your home warm and toasty. Just be sure to position the tree away from the fireplace to prevent hot embers or excessive heat from igniting the tree. And when the Christmas season ends, remember never to burn your Christmas tree in the fireplace. Check for disposal options in your community.
Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace of Kansas City, KS, is ready to help with all your fireplace, chimney and heating stove needs. We offer certified chimney sweep services as well as chimney inspection, chimney repair and chimney rebuilding. Call us at (913) 236-7141 when you want the job done properly by professionals you can trust.
