It's a Pearsons Tradition: Real Fires at Christmas

As many of you will know, our family business has been delivering coal to the people within our local community and beyond for over a century. While we work to keep the home fires burning across the South of Scotland and North Northumberland for several months of the year, it's at Christmas that the real fire comes into its own. 

As the festive season approaches, tangible excitement is in the air. The streets in the towns and villages we deliver to, from Eyemouth to Eddleston and Lauder to Longframlington, are decorated with twinkling lights and the omnipresent Christmas trees (of varying sizes!). Many traditions come into play during the festive season, but one tradition stands as a beacon of warmth and nostalgia: the crackling of a real fire at Christmas. This practice continues to captivate the hearts of young and old, creating an ambience that transcends the generations. 

So, join us as we delve into the rich tradition of real fires at Christmas and explore why this simple, yet profound ritual remains an integral part of the festive season.

The hearth has long symbolised comfort, warmth, and togetherness. Historically, it was the focal point of homes, providing heat and a gathering place for families and communities - and isn't this what Christmas is all about? Absolutely! During the festive season this symbolism is heightened as families come together to celebrate love, joy, and gratitude. A real fire becomes a metaphorical heart, radiating warmth and fostering a sense of unity.

The Aesthetic Appeal

In an era dominated by screens and virtual experiences, the charm of a real fire is unrivalled. The dancing flames, the soothing crackle, and the mesmerising glow create an ambience that no digital display can replicate. The aesthetic appeal of a real fire at Christmas is not just about warmth; it's about creating an atmosphere that engages the senses and evokes a sense of tranquillity. The subtle play of light and shadow casts a spell, turning a simple room into a haven of festive magic. If you're unsure, visit our showroom sometime to see it and feel it for yourself. We often have our own ‘stove centre’ fire burning, especially when it's cold outside, like in recent days. 

Festive Decoration

The tradition of real fires at Christmas extends beyond the flames themselves; it encompasses the art of decorating the room for the festive season. Seeing the mantelpiece with handmade ornaments, Christmas garlands, and personalised stockings is a familiar festive sight. The excitement builds once the familiar pieces are brought out of their hibernation and displayed once again. The warmth of a real fire enhances the charm of these decorations, reflecting the unique personality of each home. 

Nostalgia and Tradition

Nostalgia plays a powerful role in human emotions, and Christmas is when nostalgia is embraced with open arms. Many have fond memories of sitting by the fire, exchanging stories, and sipping hot chocolate. The tradition of real fires at Christmas taps into this collective nostalgia, connecting generations and weaving a thread of continuity through time. It's a ritual that transcends trends and fads, grounding us in what makes the festive season truly special. 

While nostalgia and traditions relating to Christmas are often unique to each family, one tradition is universally synonymous with Christmas - Santa Claus! We all know that Santa keeps a list; he checks it twice because he's got to be sure who's been naughty or nice before loading his sleigh to be ably pulled by his 12-faithful reindeer around the world. In just one night, Santa stops at the homes of the world's children, but what happens once he parks the sleigh? How does he gain access to our homes? A real fire with a chimney comes in very handy for the big man, and he can quickly and easily visit by sliding down the chimney, dropping off the gifts and goodies, before climbing back up and continuing his rounds (our delivery team can relate to Santa). Now, we cannot comment on what Santa does when a house doesn't have a real fire, but we can say that the real fire and the chimney are a real help for him on his big night.

The Fuel for the Fire

Remembering cherished moments and traditions is wonderful, but it’s always worth bearing in mind that creating a magical real fire requires top-notch fuel. Luckily for you, this is where our expertise comes in and we have a range of best-selling solid fuel options for a reliable, high-quality source that guarantees the enchantment of a festive, crackling fire:

1.    Five Star Ovals: Five Star Ovals are one of our bestselling fuels. These slow burning ovals create a pleasant festive glow and high heat output for when everyone comes in from the cold. They are extremely cost effective, as they can last up to 40% longer than other household coals, which is always a bonus at Christmas.

2.    Hot Ovoids: Can be used on Open Fires and Multi-fuel Stoves. Hot Ovoids are one of our most popular fuels as they will give a very high heat output and last longer than traditional household coal. This fuel is very easy to light, will never spark when burning and produces little ash. Brilliant news when you already have enough on the festive to-do-list.

3.    House Coal Briquettes: House Coal Briquettes are a fully approved ovoid which is authorised for use in Smoke Control Areas and England as well as being officially recognised by `Ready to Burn'. Our House Coal Briquette is a high-performance smokeless briquette which is an alternative to our traditional house coal. House Coal Briquettes are particularly suited for use on open fires with their vibrant flames they will bring that all important coal fire look & feel back to your open fire. It’s definitely beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, the tradition of real fires at Christmas beckons us to pause, reflect, and connect with the season's essence. It celebrates literal and metaphoric warmth, weaving the past, present, and future together. 

As we gather around the hearth, we partake in a ritual that goes beyond mere tradition – it becomes a testament to the enduring power of simplicity, connection, and the timeless magic of Christmas. So, this holiday season, let the real fires burn bright, and may the glow illuminate the room and the hearts of those who gather around it.

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