Christmas tree candles are on a comeback course. The classic candles and simple metal candle holders that your great-grandparents used to adorn their tree every year slipped from the market about 90 years ago when electric lights swept the country. But if the initial buzz earlier this holiday season is any indication, the classic Christmas tree candle is back.
Using real candles for Christmas decorations has cross-cutting appeal. The Christmas tree candle, humble and simple as it may be, transcends aesthetic, political, and historical flaws.
Geeks and style seekers like Christmas candles and their accompanying metal candle holders for their gadget appeal and because at first glance they feel like something new and different. Homeowners and designers like them from a decorating standpoint because they fit in with Victorian, country, rustic, or any of the other Christmas design themes. The historically minded like the idea of reviving this traditional practice and keeping it alive. Families who want to shed some of the glitz and glamor of the holidays like them because they’re simple, low-tech, and beautiful. And eco-conscious Christmas lovers are drawn to Christmas tree candles because they are 100% eco-friendly, even more environmentally friendly than LED Christmas lights.
Regardless of what appeals to you about decorating your tree with candle holders and candles this year, if you’ve decided to go for it, buy them early in the season.
Since these products are on the brink of extinction, it’s no surprise that they’re hard to find locally. You can make the rounds and ask, but they disappeared from gift shops and hardware stores decades ago, though you might get lucky. You won’t find them at your local mall. Even specialty stores that carry candles, Christmas decorations, wreaths, lights, and other holiday items rarely, if ever, stock them.
The best place to buy candle holders, pendulum holders and Christmas tree candles is from a trusted and experienced online store. Please make sure that the products you are looking at are imported from Germany. The Germans have been making decorations like these for years and theirs are the best. Why go with a cheaper import when you can get the real thing? You’ll want to consider what type of stands you like best. Here are some of the basic options:
- Christmas tree candle holder with clip or candle clip This stand has a spring clamp that grips the tree branch and stabilizes the stand. Includes wax collector and adjustable base. Clip-on mounts are generally available in a pine cone or scalloped design. You can usually find them in a silver or gold finish.
- Pine Cone Weighted Pendulum Christmas Tree Candle Holder This traditional hanging candle holder was used before candle clips. It has a stem that wraps around the branch and a pine cone counterweight to keep the candle upright. Kugel Christmas Tree Pendulum Candle Holder This is a hanging candle holder with a stem and counterweight in the shape of a “Kugel” or ball.
- Christmas Tree Pendulum Candle Holder with Star A hanging candle holder with a stem and a hanging star-shaped counterweight.
- christmas tree candles These are special candles from Germany made expressly to fit the candle holders. They are usually available in red and white. Make sure you buy the correct candles. Don’t cut corners or try to substitute another size. The candle should fit firmly and snugly into the base. Birthday and party candles are too small. Dining room candles are too long and fat. Votive and religious candles are also too big. If you are sure to buy original Christmas tree candles made in Germany, you can’t go wrong.
Go ahead, channel your great-grandparents this year and experience Christmas like they did. Regardless of whether you choose clip-on Christmas candles or one of the pendulum candle holders, your Christmas tree will never look better and you’ll remember it all year long.
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