Some of the best memories of spending time with my family growing up involve a fire going in the fireplace. Ours was located right between our living room and dining room, with a gray brick chimney that ran all the way up into the seam of the tall, pitched ceiling. We used it every chance we got, even when it was maybe a little too warm outside to be doing so. There was just something so nice about having everyone together, probably watching old movies, with a fire going beside you.

Our house was situated on five acres of land that was half forest, so my dad always chopped the wood himself. When my brother and I would hear him outside splitting the logs we would always get really excited because we knew it was going to be a great night ahead. Then, sure enough, in he would come with a full firewood carrier and a log of Duraflame (how you knew he wasn’t just preparing for another night) and family time would begin.

Crackleflame log from Duraflame

Roaring fire fireplace

Now, I know I’m not the only one that gets nostalgic when thinking about fires. Even if you don’t have specific memories like mine, there’s just something primally comforting about a flickering flame. Not that this is really news to anyone. If it wasn’t a thing, why would people continue to include fireplaces in their homes after the introduction of more efficient heating systems? You just can’t beat the atmosphere the warmth, glow, and crackle of a fire creates.

Joe and I may only be a family of two at the moment, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t light a fire every chance that we get as well. Playing games, bonding with friends, relaxing after a long day—you can bet we’re getting a fire going if there’s an opportunity to do so. I may not be able to chop my own wood like dad, but everything else from the Duraflame to the creation of great memories is exactly the same.

This post is sponsored by Duraflame. All opinions are my own.