1. Using Gifts

For a few years, all my friends decided that candles were the perfect gift to give, thus adding to my collection. If you have friends like mine, then they will get a large candle in a scent they know you’ll love. The problem is when you don’t use these candles and they start to accumulate. Putting their gifts to use is probably the main reason to light candles. It clears up clutter in your house, makes good use of their gift, and smells nice!

2. Inspiring

Sometimes when I’m looking to get inspired, I light a candle. Actually, while I write my articles for AWS, I normally have a candle close by. They’re good for inspiration because there is something awfully poetic about writing by a warm, welcoming candle. I also will light a candle whenever I’m reading a book because it helps set the mood. These are just my creative ways to help me light candles more!

3. Meditation

Meditation is a wonderful way to unwind after a long week. The act of being in the moment encourages mindfulness and lessens anxiety. Lighting a candle during meditation can make your practice more soothing. This is because of the calming nature that candles have. So the next time you sit down to meditate, make sure to pull out your candles!

4. Aroma

Candles smell good. So why let them go to waste? They are a great way to keep your house smelling fresh and lively. The scent doesn’t tend to thicken like some air fresheners do. Rather, it’s a nice way to subtly make your home more pleasant smelling.

5. Nice Evening

If you are aiming for a nice evening, then I suggest lighting a candle. My roommate was celebrating her anniversary and her boyfriend managed to make some food. We draped sarongs over the small table to add ambiance. Her boyfriend looked at me, knowing something was missing but he couldn’t put his finger on it. He needed a nice candle for the middle of the table, I said. And sure enough, she loved it!

6. Friendly Atmosphere

Candles foster a friendly atmosphere. You may consider lighting them when you have company coming over. I’m not quite sure what it is, but I know that lighting candles makes a home more, well, homey. Whether it’s for a party or a movie night, you might just find yourself sorting through which scent would be best. I’m always a fan of French Vanilla.

7. Unity

In events of triumph or trials, lighting candles is a meaningful marker. Candlelight vigils have been held for suicide cases and homicide victims. We also light candles to come together, such as at my National Honors Society induction or during religious services. We light candles for both the good times and the bad. Candles make us one in unity.

It’s taken me a while to warm up to candles but since I have quite a few, I decided to put them to good use. And I’m so glad I did! I love lighting candles now. Why do you light candles? What’s your favorite scent?