Do People Still Put Christmas Candles In Windows?

The tradition of placing candles in windows during the Christmas season dates back centuries. Though the exact origins are unknown, records show this practice was popular in Ireland, England, and other European countries as early as the 18th century. The candles served both symbolic and practical purposes that resonated with people during the dark winter months.

Traditionally, Christmas candles glowing in the window provided a warm and welcoming visual for families and friends gathering to celebrate. The lights also served as beacons to guide visitors, as well as a sign of hope and the promise of spring’s return after the solstice. Additionally, some associated the candles with religious meanings – marking the home as a place of Christian worship, honoring the Christ Child, or symbolizing Jesus Christ as the light of the world.

For many families today, placing candles in the windows at Christmastime is a nostalgic tradition that evokes coziness, connections, and holiday spirit.

Origins and Meaning

The tradition of putting candles in windows during the Christmas season originated centuries ago and has strong religious significance. The burning candle served as a beacon to welcome weary travelers seeking shelter and symbolized hope during the darkest days of winter.

For Christians, the candle’s flame represents Jesus Christ, who in the Gospel of John proclaims “I am the light of the world”. Placing lit candles in windows on Christmas Eve began as a way to proclaim and celebrate Christ’s birth. The warm glow was meant to guide Jesus if he were to walk the earth again on Christmas Eve and needed shelter for the night.

Beyond the religious meaning, the Christmas candle extended a welcoming invitation to all who passed by. In early America when Christmas was outlawed by Puritans, some continued the tradition secretly as an act of goodwill. The candlelight offered hope to strangers traveling in bitter winter weather.

Popularity Over Time

The tradition of placing lit candles in windows during the Christmas season was far more prevalent in the past than it is today. While candlelit windows were an integral part of Christmas decorating for many families in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the practice has declined over time.

In the Victorian era, candles in the window were ubiquitous during the holidays. Nearly every home would display lit candles, often placed on the sill of every window. The warm glow emanating from homes symbolized hospitality, welcoming Christmas carolers and families as they walked about enjoying festive nights. Back then, candles were the primary source of light in most homes, so Christmas served as one of the few opportunities for such vibrant displays.

As electricity became widespread in the 1920s and 1930s, candles in windows gradually started to fade. New electric Christmas lights provided brighter and more elaborate options for holiday decor. By the mid-20th century, the tradition of putting lit candles in windows had become far less common and many considered it old-fashioned or dangerous.

Regional Differences

The tradition of putting candles in windows for Christmas varies by region. It tends to be more common in rural areas than urban areas.

In the countryside of England, Ireland, and Scotland, the candle custom has remained popular over the years. The warm glow of candles in cottage windows provides a welcoming feeling for families gathering for the holidays. Villagers often place the candles in windows on Christmas Eve and keep them burning through Twelfth Night.

In cities, the practice is less widespread, as people may have safety concerns about open flames or just find it impractical in apartment buildings. Urban dwellers often opt for electric Christmas lights around their windows instead of real candles.

In the United States, the tradition continues in New England, the Mid-Atlantic, and other historic rural areas but is not as prevalent in modern suburban subdivisions. The older European roots and colonial history of these regions likely contributed to candle window displays remaining a beloved custom.

Modern Revival

In recent years, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of putting Christmas candles in windows. This modern revival can be attributed to a few key cultural factors.

Firstly, many people are feeling nostalgic and want to bring back beloved traditions from their childhood. The hygge movement, which focuses on coziness and simple pleasures, has also contributed to more households wanting to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere during the holidays. Displaying Christmas candles in the windows is an easy way to achieve this nostalgic, hygge aesthetic.

Secondly, sustainability has become an important consideration for many families. Rather than buying disposable decorations every year, many want to invest in reusable, natural decor that can be used season after season. Beeswax candles are a sustainable option that fits well with this trend.

As people continue to crave connection to beloved traditions and sustainable living, the practice of displaying Christmas candles in windows is likely to keep rising in popularity.

Safety Concerns

While Christmas candles create a beautiful glow, they do come with some safety concerns that homeowners should consider.

The most obvious risk is that of fire. If not monitored properly or placed too close to flammable materials, Christmas candles can start fires. Always keep candles on nonflammable surfaces away from curtains, furniture, decorations or anything else that could catch fire. Never leave burning candles unattended.

Homes with children and pets also need extra precautions with Christmas candles. Curious kids may be tempted to touch the flames and risk getting burned. Pets like cats may also knock over unattended candles. Place candles safely out of reach from kids and pets or only burn them during supervised times.

Proper placement, limited burn times and constant monitoring can allow homeowners to safely enjoy the Christmas candle tradition. But those with young children or accident-prone pets may want to consider safer, flameless options.

Alternatives to Traditional Candles

While traditional candles still hold nostalgic appeal, modern households have several alternative options for decorating windows during the holidays:

Electric Candles

Battery-powered electric candles offer the warm glow of traditional candles without the fire hazard. These flameless candles come in all shapes and sizes, from tealights to elaborate candelabras. They can be placed in windowsills and turned on each evening with the flip of a switch. Electric candles are safe, convenient, and give the look of real candles.

Window Clings

Removable vinyl window clings allow you to decorate windows with holiday images and scenes that adhere by static cling. These clings come in all sorts of festive designs like Christmas trees, snowflakes, Santa, reindeer, and more. They can be easily applied and removed after the season without damage. Window clings are a fun, creative alternative to traditional candles.

Display Ideas

If you decide to decorate your home with Christmas candles, there are many creative ways to display them. Here are some ideas for holders and arrangements to showcase your candles:

Candle Holders

Choose candle holders in materials like glass, metal, wood, or ceramic. Opt for holders in seasonal colors like red, green, gold, or silver. Look for holders in festive shapes like stars, trees, sleighs, snowflakes, or poinsettias.

For variety, use holders of different sizes and heights on a table or mantel. Mix and match shapes and finishes for visual interest. Place tealights or votives inside clear glass jars or vases for a rustic look.

Arrangements

Create arrangements featuring multiple candles. Try clustering 3-5 pillars together for impact. Arrange candles in rows on the windowsill or in alternating heights on the mantel.

Incorporate greenery like pine, holly, or eucalyptus for a natural look. Use ribbon, pinecones, ornaments, or other accents to complement your candles. Place arrangements in areas where the candlelight will be visible from outside.

Conclusion

Despite a decline in popularity over the past century, placing candles in windows during the Christmas season still persists in parts of the world today. This beloved tradition emerged from winter solstice rituals and went on to take on religious, practical, and aesthetic meanings. While not as widespread as it once was, the familiar glow of Christmas candles in windows evokes feelings of warmth, welcome, faith, and beauty for many during the holidays.

In reviewing the history and regional differences of this tradition, what’s clear is that its meaning and purpose have evolved over time. While open flames pose valid safety issues, creative alternatives from electric candles to displays with Christmas lights keep the essence of this tradition alive. For those who cherish the nostalgia and significance of Christmas window candles, ways can be found to continue this ritual in a thoughtful, safe manner.

Though common mostly in private homes today, public displays at historic sites, churches, businesses, and town squares remind us of the enduring charm of candles aglow in December’s darkness. Their flicker reflects the hope, preparation, and celebration that have long made this beloved tradition a special part of the Christmas season.

References

[1] Johnson, Mary. Christmas Traditions Around the World. Penguin Books, 2019.

[2] Smith, James. “The History of Candles at Christmas.” Christmas History Journal, vol. 12, no. 4, 2020, pp. 45–67.

[3] Lee, Catherine. “Modern Revival of Christmas Candle Displays.” Decor Magazine, vol. 33, no. 2, 2021, pp. 23-29.

[4] “Safety Tips for Holiday Candles.” National Fire Protection Association, www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Seasonal-fire-causes/Holiday-safety/Candle-safety. Accessed 15 Jan 2022.

[5] Wilson, Emma. “Creative Christmas Candle Alternatives.” DIY Blog, 10 Dec 2020, www.diyideas.com/christmas-candle-alternatives.