I decided to google why we always think of a Christmas candle (just in case it was just me!) and found that there's a lot of debate over whether or not candles make a great gift idea or not. Apparently a lot of people think you shouldn't give candles at Christmas time - what do you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts below.
I have always enjoyed being given a candle and I have thought of giving a candle many times although until this year I haven't actually done so before.
Why Christmas Candles
>Apparently candles were used way before we even celebrated Christmas. During the ancient winter solstice celebrations candles were lit as a way of remembering that spring would soon come.
The earliest records of candles being used at Christmas apparently dates back to the middle ages where a large candle was used to represent the star of Bethlehem.
I think the reason that I think of candles and Christmas together is because many cultures put a candle in the window at Christmas time combined with images of the first Christmas trees with candles on them.
The most well known origin of lighting a candle in the window for Christmas is the catholic Irish tradition - this dates back to the 17th century at a time when the catholic religion was being suppressed in Ireland under British rule. The family would put a candle in the window to signal any passing priests that they were welcome, the authorities were told that the candles were to welcome Mary and Joseph into their homes - this was believed to have been an Irish superstition and worked.
Since this time the custom has spread and is said to be a sign of welcome for anyone who may be passing so that they could share whatever the family had for Christmas as no one should go without at this time of the year.
I have also heard that the lighting of a candle in the window is to represent family or people who are close to the family that cannot be there for the celebrations either because they're serving their country overseas or even because they've passed away.
Fragrant Candles
There are so many lovely 'smelly candles' as my daughter calls them, available as a gift that it's hard to know what to give someone. I always look forward to seeing what holiday candle Arbonne will bring out each year. Their candles are slow and clean burning, hand-poured coconut wax blend candle and they always smell divine. This year it's a cozy, sweet smell of Sugared Amber - |
| Sugared Amber Candle from Arbonne |
Another popular fragrant candle to give is one from the Yankee candles range.
Unfortunately, not everyone likes the same fragrances so this isn't a gift that you can give just anyone!
Decorative Candles
Decorative candles are totally different and are a great gift idea whether you choose to give the shorter, fatter candles or the taper candles, these can be gorgeous. A lot of decorative Christmas candles also come with their own holders which are really good.I used to use candles a lot, but I must admit that since becoming a mum I have been more aware of the dangers of an open flame which is why I love the different LED-lit decorative candles that are available. I think these are definitely the best holiday candles if you don't know whether someone likes fragrant candles or not.
There are so many different designs to choose from it's hard to pick a favourite. I did fall in love with a Robin Redbreast LED candle a couple of years ago, but unfortunately that one is no longer available. While checking out LED Christmas candles on amazon recently I came across lots of designs - Christmas LED Candles - at this moment I'm loving the one pictured, but it changes depending on my mood.
Do You Use Christmas Candles & Which is Your Favorite?
Do you have a tradition of Christmas candles and do you like the idea of a candle with a flame (with fragrance or not) or one of the LED-lit candles. I would love to know.
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I have seldom used candles because most scents bother me (a.k.a. sneezing, lol), but now with the LED candles I could have the candles I'd like. Enjoyed your candle facts and stories, Louanne. Candles DO seem to be symbolic of the Christmas season.
ReplyDeleteWe don't have a family tradition that includes candles at Christmas, but I have given them several times as gifts to people that I know who love them. We don't use real candles, but we have put the electric candles in our windows for Christmas. When I started reading this article, I immediately thought of the candles on Christmas trees in the past. I think candles are great gifts!
ReplyDeleteLove candles and have shifted to the LEDs, they have come along way designing realistic LED candles :)
ReplyDeleteWe use candles at Christmas all the time. Advent, the Catholic liturgical season leading up to Christmas is an important time. For 4 weeks we light one candle on the Advent Wreath. By the time Christmas arrives all 4 candles have been lit and the central candle (usually white) represents Christ. There are prayers that go along with the lighting of the candles, but many times these have been forgotten or ignored. Personally I love candles at Christmas time and at other times of the year as well. There is something hopeful and warm about a lit candle! SAFETY THOUGH IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE!
ReplyDeleteI love Christmas candles as well. We have Yankee Candles and a few Christmas Cinnamon scented for the holidays. Love a flickering candle in the family room at night with just the tree lights on while watching a movie. It's so relaxing.
ReplyDeleteI love looking at candles because they are beautiful. I do like the vanilla scented candles, too. When I used to make candles I did give them as gifts. I haven't used them in years since we no longer decorate for Christmas. We are always at someone else's house. We usually see candles in use where we go. I think you have to know the person you are gifting well enough to know if they use candles before you give them as gifts. When you know your hostess well, you will know whether she will appreciate having a new candle. Ever since a tenant set our mobile home rental on fire with a lighted candle by and open window with hanging curtains, I've been more cautious about their use. That's one reason the LED candles appeal to me.
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