We have a gas fireplace (you know, you just turn a valve and *VIOLA* fire coming from fake logs).  I don't know WHY we have a fireplace, except that the mantle certainly does come in handy for home decor.  But it has been as exceptionally cold winter for South Louisiana and that stupid fireplace has made for a cozy little haven on many an evening lately.  My family can't sleep at night if our house is above 68 degrees, so we can't keep the thermostat set too high or it'll end up being too warm to sleep comfortably.  The fireplace really does the trick to fill the gap.  Of course, hibernating is really tricky with a three, a five and a six year old and all of their energy.....