For me, the fireplace has always been one of the most magical symbols of Christmas. It represents warmth, family, and that soft glow that makes a winter evening feel like a hug. The funny thing is — I’ve never actually had a real fireplace in my life. Not once. And yet, it remains one of my biggest dreams, a symbol I’ve carried with me since childhood.

Back in 2017, we were still living in Bulgaria, in a tiny one-bedroom apartment. It wasn’t much, but it was ours, and we were happy. That November, while my wife was away on a business trip in Germany, I decided to finally bring that dream into our home — even if it had to be a fake one. With the help of my father, I built a small handmade fireplace. It wasn’t perfect, not even close, but it had a warmth that only love can create.

I’ll never forget the evening she came home. I turned off all the lamps, leaving only the soft lights from the fireplace flickering in the dark. The whole room felt different — cozy, quiet, glowing as if Christmas had already arrived. When she opened the door, she stopped, truly surprised.
She looked at me and asked, “What is this… but how…?”
I hugged her, and in that moment, the whole apartment felt magical.

It’s incredible how small gestures stay in your memory forever. How something simple, even imperfect, can become one of the most beautiful parts of your Christmas story. And how even the tiniest home can feel like the center of the world during the holidays — warm, safe, filled with love.

One of the stories in Vico’s Christmas Storybook is actually inspired by this very moment — a little piece of our real Christmas woven into the pages. That same warmth and magic are what inspired each story in the book to capture those special moments that make Christmas unforgettable — the surprises, the traditions, and the love that brings families together.

If you’re looking for a way to bring that magic into your home this holiday season, Vico’s Christmas Storybook is the perfect way to share the spirit of Christmas with your kids or grandkids.

“Vico’s Christmas Storybook” is available in paperback and eBook on Amazon. You can find all links in the “Where to Buy” section on my website. 🎁✨

Where to Buy

GK

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Published by georgi.kisyov

11 thoughts on “The Fireplace I Never Had”

  3. This is such a beautiful and inspiring story, thanks for sharing.
    I also have a “fireplace” story, more funny than beautiful. We, as Brazilians, only saw fireplaces in movies. When my wife and I moved to the USA, the first apartment we rented had a real one. We were thrilled and at the first opportunity we had lit a fire, we put way too much wood in there, and as a result, the flames were so high, shooting out of the fireplace. The fire alarm went off and we had to throw water to put out the fire. Awwww, wonderful Christmas memories.

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing this — what a memory! 😄🔥 I can imagine the excitement of having a real fireplace for the first time, and then suddenly watching the flames grow a little too enthusiastic. The alarm, the water, the chaos… and yet, these are exactly the moments that become unforgettable.
      It’s beautiful how even the funny accidents turn into cherished Christmas stories we laugh about for years. Thank you for bringing a smile to my day with yours🎄
      GK

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