What could be more cozy and Christmassy than cuddling up by the fireplace, enjoying the warmth and flickering glow of the fire? From a decorated hearth to a place for roasting chestnuts and burning yule logs, to an entryway for a certain jolly old elf, the fireplace is inseparable from the imagery of Christmas.
But what if you live in an apartment or other space without a fireplace? Well, someone solved that problem at least as early as the 1940s with the cardboard fireplace. These imitation fireplaces usually came with an electric light that sat behind a cardboard flame. The heat from the light spun a foil fan that cast a (sorta) realistic flame effect.
They’re no match for the real thing, but they don’t need to be. They’ve got a kitschy vibe all their own that makes them festive and nostalgia-inducing in their own right, as these Instagrammers know:
Beautifully retro and ready for the big day
Merry and mod
Keeping cozy
Some of them even came with a chimney!
The mantles are usually just strong enough to hold a couple of light items like Christmas cards…
…or stockings
Putting them together is a bit of a process
But the good news is that they pack up flat for easy storage
And dang, they’re just gorgeous
I mean…just LOOK at it
They’re a thing of retro beauty
Guess who this one belongs to…OK, it’s ME!
(You are following me on Instagram, right?)
Do you have to scour eBay to find one? Heck, no…make your own!
In fact, here’s how
How about you?
Do you have a cardboard fireplace? Did you ever? Share your pics on social media. They just may end up here on Christmas Past.
