Fireside Chats

We think that President Franklin D. Roosevelt was onto something “back in the day” when he hosted weekly radio addresses called Fireside Chats. The idea, made popular by the beloved president, was to promote cherished time spent relaxing around the fireplace with loved ones.

In this age of information and digital everything, it’s easy to get caught up in the cycle of convenient distraction. Carving out time for dedicated one-on-one family time can be a challenge for many. But when everyone puts their smartphones and tablets aside and focuses on each other, families become closer. And, like Franklin D. Roosevelt, we think the best place to do that is in the warmth and comfort of a fire.

There’s something about the warmth and glow of a fireplace or stove that relaxes us and encourages conversation like nothing else can. So why not make plans for a new family tradition? Fireside Chats!

The first step is to get everyone at home at the same time – for some families this could be the biggest challenge! Once everyone is there, make a fire and gather everyone around and settle in. Start conversations by asking everyone to answer loaded questions – questions that inspire thought and opinions. Here are a few to get you started:

• If you could know one thing about the future, what would it be? Only one thing!
• What do you think is the biggest problem facing our society today?
• What is your idea of a perfect day?
• If you could plan a catered dinner party with five guests, dead or alive, who would you invite? And, what would be on the menu?

Have everyone contribute questions and have fun with this! You’ll probably learn something you didn’t know about your beloved family members. 

Fireside Chats – we can’t think of a better way to spend a cold winter night, or Valentine’s Day! Cheers!