How to Keep Your Fireplace in Top Shape for Holiday Magic

There are few things more synonymous with Christmas Eve than cozying up by a warm fire waiting for Santa to visit. For homeowners with a fireplace, this is likely a staple part of their traditions. But, with that comes the responsibility to make sure your fireplace is ready for the festivities. Between maintenance, repairs, and decorating it perfectly, there are a few tasks to check off your list before Santa comes.

Make Sure Maintenance is All Set

The first, and least exciting consideration when it comes to your fireplace is making sure you’re up-to-date with care and maintenance. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) strongly encourages homeowners to hire chimney professionals for annual inspections and sweeps. This ensures eyes are on the ins and outs of your fireplace and chimney so any issues can be caught early. This can save you in the long run! 

Additionally, the annual cleaning takes care of creosote buildup. Creosote is a natural byproduct of fires that accumulates as a tar-like substance. Not only can it come with a smell, the more it accumulates, the higher the risk there is of house fires and toxic fumes. Because of this, you should make sure your chimney sweep is performed before the holidays when you have families and friends around.

The Fun Stuff: Decorations On and Around Your Fireplace

Once you tackle the maintenance requirements, it’s time to move on to the fun task of getting your chimney and home Christmas-ready. There are many different styles you can take to match your home and vibe. Below are some suggestions to get started.

• Colors or Monochrome: Often the biggest difference between traditional and modern is the use or lack of color. A classic Christmas with greens, reds, and golds can look cozy or elegant. It’s the quintessential Christmas we see advertised. Recently, though, some homeowners have opted for a monochrome approach; maybe all white or all gold is the perfect winter wonderland backdrop for you. 

• Stockings: A classic staple that fireplace owners love to add are stockings. Colored, simple, or extravagant – your fireplace will be begging for stockings. However, make sure to push them aside, far away from the fire when you have it burning.
• Mantel Staples: A mantel is a perfect canvas to get creative. You can keep it simple, or load it up with lots of decorations for the holidays. You can add a garland, frames, mirrors, candles, trinkets, or a mantel mount — pretty much anything your mind can think of. Similar to stockings, just makes sure there are no fire risks when it comes time to light up your fire.

Call Chimney Specialists Inc. to Get Ready for the Holidays

Are you due for your annual chimney sweep? Or are you experiencing issues that could get in the way of holiday fires? If yes, it may be time to call Chimney Specialists Inc. with your questions or to book an appointment.

If you’re in need of some repairs, we can determine the right path for you with your timeline and budget in mind. Regular maintenance can help avoid issues in the future and make for the most enjoyable fire experiences throughout the season.