What Are The Candles At Christmas?

Christmas candles are a beloved tradition during the holiday season. They are used both indoors and outdoors to set a festive mood. The soft, warm glow of candlelight evokes a feeling of peace, comfort and nostalgia. The flames symbolize hope and light conquering darkness during the long winter months.

Candles have long been associated with Christmas celebrations. Historically, before electricity, candles provided light and warmth in the home during dark winter nights. The Advent wreath featuring four candles was an important tradition for counting down the weeks until Christmas. Today, the use of Christmas candles carries on these symbolic meanings and traditions.

During the holidays, candles decorate mantels, windowsills, centerpieces, wreaths, Christmas trees, and more. Their flames create a welcoming atmosphere for gathering with loved ones. The tradition connects us to Christmas celebrations of the past. The iconic image of candlelight on a Christmas tree or around a holiday meal represents the spirit of the season.

Origins and Traditions

The tradition of using candles at Christmas dates back to the Middle Ages. According to https://www.whychristmas.com/customs/candles, one of the earliest records is of a large candle being used to represent the star of Bethlehem that guided the wise men to Jesus. Candles were an important symbol in the Bible and early Christians adopted their use in Christmas celebrations.

In the Middle Ages, candles were placed in windows during the Christmas season as a sign of welcome and hospitality, inviting passing travelers to stop in for food and warmth. The candles represented Jesus as the light of the world, offering hope during the dark winter months. Over time, the tradition evolved into placing smaller candles in each window of people’s homes.

The use of candles expanded even further with the introduction of the Advent wreath in the 16th century. The wreath holds four or five candles, with one lit each week leading up to Christmas to represent the coming of Jesus. Along with decorating Christmas trees and homes, lighting candles became a beloved part of Christmas traditions across Europe and eventually other parts of the world.

Types of Christmas Candles

There are several common types of candles used for Christmas decorating and celebrating the holiday season:

Tapers are tall, skinny candles that are typically placed in candleholders. They create an elegant look and are often used to decorate mantels, tables, and Christmas trees. Christmas tapers come in a variety of colors and scents.

Votives are short, stout candles that are designed to fit into small glass votive holders. Their small flame creates cozy lighting. Votive candles are popular for centerpieces and accent lighting.

Pillars are thick, column-shaped candles. They come in varying heights and widths. Pillar candles create a classic look perfect for traditional Christmas decor. Their large size allows them to burn longer than other candle types.

Floating candles have a diameter that allows them to float on water. They are often used in centerpieces featuring vases, bowls, or trays filled with water. The illusion of a magical floating flame makes these candles a stunning addition to Christmas tables.

Novelty candles come in festive Christmas shapes and designs like trees, snowmen, stars, candy canes, and more. They add a playful, whimsical touch to holiday decorating. Novelty candles are popular gifts and stocking stuffers.

Decorating with Christmas Candles

Candles add warmth and sparkle when decorating for Christmas. Here are some tips for incorporating candles throughout your home during the holidays:

On the dining table, cluster red, green or white candles in the center as part of a seasonal centerpiece. Go for varied heights and styles for visual interest. Adding pinecones, holly and other seasonal embellishments around the candles ties the look together. For safety, make sure to keep candles away from table linens or anything flammable (source: https://www.delish.com/holiday-recipes/christmas/a715/decorating-christmas-candles/).

Around the home, place candles on mantles, side tables, windowsills and other surfaces. Opt for wide pillar candles, hurricane vases with candles inside, or Christmas candle holders. Stagger multiples at varying heights for a layered effect. Incorporate Christmas colors like red and green or wintry accents like pine branches, berries and sparkly pinecones (source: https://www.livingetc.com/ideas/christmas-candle-ideas).

On the Christmas tree, use battery-operated candles or special Christmas tree candles secured in holders. This adds a magical ambiance without posing a fire hazard. Alternate with shiny ornaments for a glimmering display. Place candles strategically at various points on the tree for a balanced look (source: https://www.delish.com/holiday-recipes/christmas/a715/decorating-christmas-candles/).

Safety Tips

While candles can add festive ambiance to the holidays, they also come with fire risks that require caution and care when using them. Following some key safety tips can help prevent candle-related fires or accidents.

Proper placement of burning candles is crucial. Candles should be kept at least 12 inches away from anything flammable like curtains, furniture, bedding or decorations (Christmas Candle Safety). Place candles on sturdy, non-flammable saucers to collect dripping wax. Avoid placing candles near drafts or vents where they can easily be knocked over.

Never leave burning candles unattended. Always stay in the same room and keep an eye on candles to make sure they do not get tipped over by kids, pets or any other cause. Extinguish candles before leaving a room or going to sleep.

Use proper, sturdy candle holders secured on uncluttered surfaces. Taper and pillar candles should be held firmly in holders that are heat-resistant and won’t tip over. Votive and container candles should be placed in holders intended for the candle size (Christmas candle safety). Don’t use makeshift holders or overcrowd holders with too many candles.

Following basic precautions like these can help prevent safety issues and allow you to enjoy candlelight safely this holiday season.

Making Your Own Christmas Candles

Making your own Christmas candles is a fun DIY project that lets you customize colors, scents, and designs. Handmade candles also make great gifts for family and friends. Here are some of the main benefits of making DIY Christmas candles:

• You can personalize candles with essential oils and other scents that match the season or recipient’s preferences.
• It’s more affordable than buying high-end, luxury candles.
• You have full control over the ingredients and can avoid unhealthy additives.
• It allows for creativity in shapes, containers, colors, and decorations.
• Homemade candles make thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts.

If you’re new to candle making, start with an easy recipe that uses wax flakes or pellets, a pouring pitcher, candle wicks, and candle molds or jars. Make sure to take proper safety precautions like wearing gloves and eye protection.

Some popular scents for Christmas candles are:

• Pine or balsam fir – evokes the smell of a fresh-cut tree.
• Cinnamon or clove – warm, cozy baking spices.
• Vanilla, sugar cookie, or gingerbread – sweet, nostalgic bakery aromas.
• Peppermint or wintergreen – refreshing wintery mint.
• Cranberry – fruity, tart holiday scent.

Add a festive touch by placing gold or silver glitter, sprigs of pine, cranberries, or candy canes on top of the wax before it sets. Themed jars, holiday ribbon, and labels can make your homemade candles extra special. With some creativity, making Christmas candles is easy and rewarding.

Buying Christmas Candles

Christmas candles make wonderful holiday decorations and gifts. When buying Christmas candles, there are a few things to look for:

Many popular retailers like Grazia Daily, Tatler Asia, and Stylist offer great selections of Christmas candles both in stores and online. Candle specialty stores, craft stores, and even grocery stores will have options as well. For unique and homemade candles, shopping local at craft fairs, farmer’s markets, and small businesses is a great idea.

When choosing a Christmas candle, popular holiday scents to look for include pine, cinnamon, cloves, cranberry, and fir tree. Candles with scents like gingerbread, sugar cookie, peppermint, and evergreen forests also evoke the Christmas season. Opt for candles made from natural soy, beeswax, or other clean-burning waxes. High quality wicks and fragrance oils will provide a pleasant aroma and clean burn.

Beautiful Christmas candle holders in holiday colors, shapes, and designs make great gifts. Arrange Christmas candles on the mantel, on side tables, or in centerpieces for a festive decoration. Buying an assortment of Christmas candle sizes and scents allows you to mix and match different looks throughout the season.

Christmas Candle Alternatives

For those concerned about safety or allergies, there are several candle alternatives to consider for Christmas decor. Battery-operated, flameless, and LED candles provide the warm ambiance of real candles without the fire hazard or irritating smoke and scent. These electric options are ideal for families with small children or pets who may knock over traditional candles.

Battery-operated candles run on small watch or AAA batteries and actually produce a tiny flame that flickers realistically. Just be sure to turn them off before bed or leaving home. Popular battery-operated candle brands include Homemory, Luminara, and Vimila.

Flameless candles use LED bulbs to mimic the look of a real flame without heat or fire. Many are remote controlled so you can set timers or adjust brightness. Wax flameless candles like those from Eywam give the convincing drip effect. For modern or minimalist décor, flameless taper candles create an elegant glow.

LED candles and tealights offer affordable, long-lasting candle alternatives. Bulk packs can be used in votives, candlesticks, and decorative holders. Look for quality LEDs that give a natural flicker effect. Smart LEDs with remote controls or voice activation via Alexa allow you to control your Christmas candles with ease.

No matter which type you choose, flameless candle alternatives provide a safe and convenient way to add festive, mood-setting light to your Christmas décor. Be sure to stock up on battery packs and extra LED bulbs for effortless holiday ambiance all season long.

History and Significance

Christmas candles have deep religious origins and significance. In Christianity, candles represent Jesus Christ as the light of the world (John 8:12). The Advent wreath with candles is used to count down the four Sundays preceding Christmas, with each candle marking one week closer to the coming of Christ, the light of the world.

Candles also represent bringing light into the darkness, both literally and symbolically. During the winter solstice, when days are shortest, candles bring much needed light and warmth. And spiritually, Christ brings light into the darkness of sin. Lighting candles at Christmas is a reminder of Christ’s purpose and message to shine light into people’s lives (Source).

In addition, the flickering flame of a candle represents constancy, steadfastness, and undying hope. A lit candle means Christ has come and gives hope to the world. The candle flame also symbolizes our constant faith and the guidance of God’s light in our lives (Source).

Conclusion

Christmas candles are an integral part of holiday celebrations around the world. From simple taper candles on a festive tablescape to glittering candles nestled in evergreen wreaths, these festive lights lend a magical glow to the season.

Throughout this guide, we’ve explored the origins, traditions, types, and uses of Christmas candles. Candles help set the mood during Christmas gatherings, decorate mantels and windowsills, and even make thoughtful handmade gifts. While lights and candles present a potential fire hazard, with proper precautions they can be used safely to create a warm, welcoming ambiance.

Whether you’re looking for inspiration on incorporating candles into your holiday decor or want to learn about the history behind these festive lights, this guide covers the key points on Christmas candles. As you deck your own halls this season, think about the special role candles play in making the holidays bright. Let the cozy flicker of candlelight fill you with the holiday spirit.