The Joy of Fire

“A house with no fireplace is a house without a heart.” — Gladys Taber

Winter isn’t coming, winter is here. For us at ETS, the weather has become pretty cold. Admittedly, winter isn’t our preferred time of year. Since its arrival is inevitable, we have been working to improve our attitude towards it. One of our greatest joys during this time of crisp air and falling temperatures is to have and host fire gatherings.

There’s just something about a bonfire or fireplace which provokes camaraderie and story telling. It’s fun to gather people around a heat source to catch up. Watching loved ones cozy up next to each other to get maximum warmth is a joy. This scene promotes mindfulness, which is the ability to be fully present with relaxed awareness and minimal distraction¹. Fire also opens a world of entertainment for the whole family. Kids can keep entertained by making s’mores, cooking hot dogs and/or popcorn, and playing games such as charades or cards². Adults can enjoy themselves by playing music, swapping tales, or just watching the sunset and stars³. Even though people help make the time memorable, fires can also be enjoyed alone. We do much of our writing in front of a fire, including today’s article.

Ironically, we are pushing for no screen time while admitting to using one in front of the fire. Like everything in life, it’s all about balance. Take the fire as a time to refresh from the cold glow of the screen, leaving your phones inside or in another room. Finishing work as you need to (like us), then putting your device(s) away. If you don’t have a fireplace, there are plenty of other options, such as a propane table or a portable fire pit. Lastly, upgrade your game by supplying blankets and robes for you and your guests and enjoy the evening⁴.

Action: Host or attend a fire gathering. Leave your phone elsewhere.

Further Reading:

1. 3 Surprising Health Benefits of Fire Pits and Tips for Safe Enjoyment
2. Fun Family Activities to Do Around Your Fire Pit
3. 9 Fun Things to Do Around a Fire Pit
4. 10 Norwegian Tips to Keep Warm in the Winter