October 2023, we moved into a beautifully renovated wooden house built in 1934. It has all the charm of a classic New England home paired with the modern updates we love. The master bedroom on the first floor features a double vanity and a massive walk-in closet—an absolute dream. Outside, there’s a sprawling backyard with a pergola, plenty of room for gatherings, and space for three parked cars. To top it off, the house came with a fully functional fireplace.
From the moment we stepped inside, my 5-year-old daughter fell in love with the house—and honestly, so did I.
Now, fast-forward a year plus. We’ve settled in, slowly getting comfortable with our new space and adjusting to life in this 1930s gem. But one thing we hadn’t done yet? Fire up the fireplace.
Sure, we bought logs and starters months ago, but I was apprehensive for a couple of reasons. First, I’m from Brooklyn. I grew up with steam heaters, not fireplaces. This was all new territory for me. Second, it’s an old wooden house, and I couldn’t shake the fear of accidentally burning it down. The thought alone made me hesitate.
But then came the first snowstorm of the season here in D.C. With snow piling up outside, I decided it was time to face my fears and crank this baby up.
To prepare, I did what any self-respecting rookie would do: I watched a few YouTube tutorials. I made sure I had all the essentials—a log lighter, a fire extinguisher (just in case), and a good understanding of the process. I opened the fireplace, checked that the hatch was clear, placed the log, and took a deep breath. Then, I lit it up.
It was shockingly easy. I laughed at myself for being so nervous—it felt like such a small win, but one that set the perfect mood for a snowy day. My daughter was absolutely thrilled. She spent the entire week off from school (thanks to the storm) harassing me to keep lighting new logs the moment the old ones burned out. My wife loved the cozy ambiance, and honestly, so did I.
It’s funny how something as simple as a fireplace can turn a cold, snowy day into a cherished family memory. After a year of avoiding it, we’re now completely hooked on the warmth and vibe it brings to our home.
But now I have a new challenge: How do I light actual wood in this thing? Looks like it’s back to YouTube for me.
SOCIAL DAD DC 