The magic of Christmas candles: where they come from and why we still love them

The magic of Christmas candles: where they come from and why we still love them

Candles are a big part of the Christmas atmosphere. Warm, flickering and full of charm. Most of us light candles without realising how the tradition was born. Christmas candles are more than just decoration. They hold meaning, bring nostalgia and turn winter evenings into something magical.

In this article, we’ll talk about the origin of festive candles, their colour meanings, scent favourites and how to choose the perfect one for your space or as a gift.

Where Did Christmas Candles Come From?

The use of candles goes back thousands of years. The earliest known candles were made by the ancient Egyptians around 3000 BC, using reeds soaked in animal fat. Later, the Romans developed the first wicked candles using tallow or beeswax. These early forms of candles were mostly practical - they were used to provide light and, in some cultures, to keep wild animals away during the night.

Over time, candles gained symbolic meaning. In winter festivals like Saturnalia or Yule, they represented light during the darkest time of the year. In Christian traditions, candles became part of Advent and were placed in windows to welcome travellers or reflect the arrival of Christ.

During the 17th century, people started lighting up their trees with miniature candles. This tradition inspired the fairy lights we use today. Lighting candles at Christmas still brings comfort, presence and a little magic into the season.

Why Candles Make the Perfect Gift All Year - Especially at Christmas

A candle is one of those rare gifts that always feels personal and meaningful. Whether it’s a birthday, a thank-you gesture, a housewarming or Christmas, a beautifully crafted candle always feels personal and intentional. Unlike generic gifts, candles speak to emotion - they create atmosphere, evoke memories through scent and bring a sense of comfort to any space.

At Christmas, they carry even more meaning. A festive candle with seasonal fragrance and warm glow feels like a hug in a jar. That’s why soy wax candles, scented Christmas candles, and handmade gifts from the UK are among the most searched and gifted items during the holidays.

If you're looking for a present that's both beautiful and meaningful, a handcrafted candle is the kind of gift that never goes out of style.

Traditional Christmas Candle Colours and What They Mean

These colours don’t just look good. They turn simple spaces into something truly memorable during the holidays. Whether you go traditional or mix it up, colour has a powerful effect.

Don’t Forget the Wax

When choosing candles, many people focus on the scent or design, but wax matters too. We recommend looking for candles made with natural waxes, like soy, coconut, olive etc instead of paraffin. Plant-based waxes offer a cleaner burn, minimal smoke and a gentler impact on both your home and the planet. At Phlame, all of our candles are made using soy wax for a safer and more enjoyable experience.

Formats We Love (and What’s Coming Soon...)

Christmas candles come in many shapes and formats. These are the most loved:

• Jar candles - classic and versatile

• Taper candles - perfect for festive tables

• Pillar candles - bold and decorative

• Wax melts - flameless and safe for any room

👉 At Phlame, we offer all of the above. And we’re getting ready to launch something truly special: our signature Christmas centerpiece candles. Crafted to catch the eye and leave a lasting impression. Join our mailing list to be the first to know when they drop.

Festive Scents That Feel Like Christmas

Scent is one of the most powerful parts of the season. We respect and appreciate the timeless classics like cinnamon, clove and pine - they’ll always have a place. But in our Christmas collection, we wanted to offer something new. Scents that feel just as magical but with a modern, bold twist.

Think rich and cosy blends like Chocolate Truffle & Posh Honey, warm favourites like Gingerbread, or nostalgic desserts like Buttermilk & Biscotti. We also added refreshing and luxurious notes like Christmas Cappuccino, Frosted Spice & Ylang, Eucalyptus & Spearmint, and the playful sparkle of Snowing Fairy. Whether you prefer sweet, spicy, fresh or creamy - we’ve poured something for every kind of mood. Discover full range of our luxury fragrance bibliotheque.

Why We Still Love Candles at Christmas

Candles help us slow down. They add a sense of calm to busy days, bring light to dark evenings and connect us to memories through scent. They’re also one of the most thoughtful, sensory gifts you can give. Whether it’s part of your décor or part of a moment - candles help us feel something real.

How to Choose the Right Christmas Candle

1. Pick a scent that reflects the mood you want - relaxing, festive, energising or nostalgic

2. Choose colours that match your style or tell a story

3. Select the right format for your room - jar, taper, melt or centerpiece

4. Pay attention to the wax - natural is better for your air and your space

5. Read the label - make sure the ingredients are clearly listed

At Phlame, we offer a range of handcrafted Christmas candles made with natural soy wax and premium fragrance oils. Each piece is poured by hand in Corby and placed over unique cement candle pots, designed and crafted individually by me. No two are the same - just like the people who burn them.

We believe there’s a perfect candle for everyone. But if for any reason you don’t find something that truly catches your eye or speaks to your soul, please reach out. We’ll be happy to create a custom piece just for you, based on your wishes and imagination, so do not hesitate to contact us here.

Final Thoughts

Christmas candles are more than a seasonal touch. They bring light, warmth and emotion to every corner of your home. Whether you're lighting one for tradition, for scent or for beauty - you’re creating something that matters.

✨ Explore our Christmas Collection and let the magic begin.