During this holiday season, you have many choices of homes. Based on what part of the country you live in, a home with a fireplace may be something you want to consider. Being from Philadelphia originally, a fireplace was a must during those cold winter days and nights. In fact, many homes had more than 1. If they were creative, they would design homes to share a chimney but many had multiple chimneys.

Some things to consider when looking at homes with fireplaces are what type of fireplace does the home have compared with what your preferences are. Here are a few choices.

A Wood Burning Fireplace: The classic choice since the discovery of fire. It can get to be painful when you have to run outside to get more wood. You also have to chop down a tree yourself or buy it by the cord. Storing the wood can be tricky, especially in the South where infestations can leave your logs hollow!

A Wood Burning Stove: I have seen these in living/family rooms up North and not only do they heat the room but you can also cook on top of them. A very cool retro feel from olden days!

A Gas Fireplace: This option comes with the choice of natural gas being pumped in from the city or an outside tank which needs refilled a few times per year, based on use. The logs rarely need replacing and the heat is real! Some even have blowers that will blow hot air into the room. Clean up is a snap...as easy as turning a light switch!

A Fire Video or DVD: This is for the person who loves the look of a fire but wants none of the space requirements needed. The only hazard here is if you wear the DVD out from watching it too much and reruns are welcomed!

Stay warm this winter!