I love our fireplace - it was actually the selling point for our house! We use it in the fall/winter - usually around the end of September I majorly get the itch to want to light it but it's too hot here still. I get so antsy for that first cold night so I can light a fire! Ahh, heavenly! I love to decorate it for Christmas too. And the kids love to sit in front of a fire and relax.