THE IMPORTANCE OF CANDLELIGHT

DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON

Candlelight can be a very important factor in our celebration of the Christmas holidays.  With its soft and soothing glow, it can calm and relax our bodies and souls during the rush, rush, rush of the hurried holiday pace.  In our haste to get everything done that needs to be done before Christmas Day actually gets here, we often forget to stop for a moment and take care of our tired and frazzled bodies.  We need to take a little time each day to remember what the season is really about and we need to have some pleasant reminders sprinkled throughout our homes to remind us to take that time.

After a long day at work or shopping, the first thing we usually have to do is go into the kitchen and fix dinner for the family.  Take this time to help you relax by having several vanilla scented candles strategically placed around the kitchen.  Vanilla is an excellent stress reducer so, while you’re getting the family dinner together, you’re also ridding yourself of the day’s stress.

When setting the dinner table, you could use a pillar candle with a candle ring that matches your Christmas décor to add the holiday spirit to your meal.  For a larger table, you might use two taper candles, in a holiday candle holder set, with a nicely decorated piece of garland placed between them.  While dining, the glow of candlelight encourages a feeling of closeness and bonding and gives off a peaceful glow as you discuss your day with other family members.

After dinner is over and you’re back in the kitchen cleaning up, it’s so much easier with the sweet, relaxing smells of vanilla wafting through the air.

So now that dinner is over and the kitchen clean-up is finished, you can venture into the family room to enjoy the rest of the evening in the calm, peaceful and comfortable surroundings of home.  You could arrange assorted height candlesticks on the mantle and weave pine garland decorated with poinsettia stems and sprinkled with a few berry clusters.  The soft flickering candlelight atop the glow of the warming embers coming from the fireplace will work to, not only warm your toes but, your heart as well.   In the window, a tall electric taper candle in the middle, with two smaller ones on each side, will give a warm welcome to those outside.  Add a string of small white lights around the window to finish the look.

So now the day is over and it’s time for a long, indulgent, relaxing, bath.  You’ve gone non-stop all day between the job, shopping, the family, chores, and everything else that consumes our time. You finally get to steal a few minutes to treat yourself to some much needed pampering.  First, you’ll need to scatter several  lavender, sandalwood, chamomile, or any other favorite scented candles around the bathtub.  The lavender, sandalwood and chamomile scents are excellent stress reducers.  On a small table, cabinet, or other sturdy flat surface, pour your favorite fragrance oil into an oil warmer, fill the tub with warm water and bath oil beads, lie back and enjoy!!  As you lie there in your serene, tranquil, quiet and peaceful surroundings quietly reflect on the Reason for the Season and your many blessings.

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