My husband made such fun of me when I came home a few winters ago with a fireplace DVD. We live in NYC with no fireplace in our current apartment, and I thought it would add a cozy feel to a holiday dinner party. While my friends also made fun of me when they first saw the faux fire, we all sat around the “fire” late into the night drinking, talking and watching the flames. Two of my friends went out and bought the DVD the next day; now I can make fun of them as well. It’s definitely kitschy, but who doesn’t love a little kitsch for the holidays?
I have the Fantastic Instant Fireplace DVD, and there are several other fireplace DVDs available on Amazon (including high definition, etc.).
The Hip Hostess 
Great gift- my parents gave a yule log dvd to my inlaws a few years ago and every year we turn it on and listen to the “crackle” of the fire as we celebrate Christmas Eve and they have a real fireplace that they never use.