The Warmth of Candles

It’s getting darker earlier, and colder. Some people find the dreariness of November to be oppressing and I think it is an ancient reaction to the onset of winter to fill your home with as much light as possible while still warding out the cold of winter. It seems like lighting candles in our homes is a natural response. I set candles out in warmer seasons, but it isn’t til fall that I start really using them. The candles that are used for seasonal interest I buy for their color and designs (like the light blue seashell embedded ones for summer). For fall and winter I like deep colors and fragrance ( of course!).

Candles just seem to make you feel cheerier, and your home more inviting. Maybe that’s why they’re used for creating “ambiance”. I know there are scientific reasons for the glow that candlelight seems to cast, but it is probably enough- and better left – for our romantic notions and simply enjoy its effect. The creativity involved in the production of candles is really amazing, too. Although I admit, if they are too fancy I don’t want to burn them, so the simpler types are better for my purposes. I think those votives are one of the most fun ways to experiment with effects and scents. At a Yankee Candle outlet there had been a collection of harmonizing color votives- that was a fun way to put together a grouping plus try some new scents I might otherwise have overlooked.

It’s remarkable how candles and candle glow have an affinity for so many things in daily life: they add to the enjoyment of the meal, to a flower arrangement, bath time, times of conversation. Maybe especially since we do without fireplaces for the most part, a candle stands in for the hearth in our minds. Just that little dancing flame to remind us of what used to be the hub of family life and conviviality of friends.

Yankee Candle are a favorite brand of candles, as are are those from Claire Burke, but I picked up some Smith & Hawken ones on sale at Target, recently. They have gorgeous scents! A little unusual in complexity, which is what makes them especially nice.


The far north cultures of Scandinavia,where winter days can be so brief for such a long period of time, developed winter traditions that include lots of candles for a sense of warmth and the concept of “coziness” which is so important to their cultural ideas of home life. But everywhere, we have the saying of “lighting a candle in the darkness” to express hope and a brighter view.

Now, we combine candlelight and fragrance with so many scents available you need to refresh with coffee beans to try to figure out which you like best! That is the experience at Yankee Candle stores, anyway, or the White Barn brand. I think candles, more than in many things, good ingredients are required, both in manufacture and in the scent formulation. I haven’t tried the soy candles yet, but they get high praise from people that have. I think for wintertime, I like the typical scents of Christmas: bayberry, spruce, cinnamon, apple, -those are the high notes of the signature mixes. Claire Burkes’ Apple Jack, and Pear are perfect for Thanksgiving time. Christmas Memories describes itself. Smith & Hawken’s looked liked this, all nested in a cute little wooden box. Sometimes I really get hooked by small details like that.

In looking over the many types of candles offered at Amazon, I saw more than a few that I’d love to have for this winter. Be careful- it is addictive, although an altogether affordable and beneficial addiction… if there is such a thing. ~but hey! no calories.