The Heart of Autumn: Making Beeswax Candles, a Thanksgiving Tradition
As the leaves turn fiery shades of red and gold and a crispness fills the air, my heart turns towards Thanksgiving. More than just a day for feasting, Thanksgiving on our homestead is a time for reflection, gratitude, and slowing down. It's about savoring the simple moments and connecting with the abundance of the autumn harvest. And for years, one tradition has become central to our celebration: crafting beeswax candles.
In a world that often urges us towards more and faster, homesteading and sustainable living have taught me the profound beauty of slow living. These handmade Thanksgiving gifts aren’t just pretty; they represent our commitment to mindful celebrations and appreciating the gifts of the earth. Making beeswax candles is more than just a craft; it’s a sensory experience that connects us with nature and the rhythm of the season. And the best part? It’s a wonderful family tradition that everyone can participate in.
Gathering Our Harvest: Sourcing Sustainable Materials
The foundation of any good beeswax candle is, of course, the beeswax. We are lucky enough to keep our own bees, meaning we have a steady supply of this golden treasure. However, if you don't have bees, you can often find local beekeepers at farmers' markets or online. Look for beeswax that is ethically sourced and sustainably harvested. Supporting local beekeepers is a fantastic way to promote pollinator health and contribute to a more sustainable food system.
We also gather natural materials from our property to add a touch of autumnal charm to our candles. Dried flowers, herbs like lavender and rosemary, and even small pinecones can be incorporated into the wax for a rustic and fragrant touch. Remember to only forage responsibly, taking only what you need and leaving plenty for the ecosystem.
The Simple Joy of Candle Making: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making beeswax candles is surprisingly easy, even for beginners. Here's a simple recipe to get you started:
Materials:
- 1 pound of beeswax
- Cotton wicks (sized appropriately for your desired candle diameter)
- Double boiler or heat-safe bowl and saucepan
- Thermometer
- Wooden skewers or chopsticks
- Glass jars or molds
Instructions:
- Prepare Your Jars/Molds: Ensure your jars or molds are clean and dry. Attach the wick to the bottom of the jar using a small piece of adhesive or by dipping the end in melted wax. Center the wick and secure it with a wooden skewer or chopstick placed across the top of the jar.
- Melt the Beeswax: Place the beeswax in a double boiler or heat-safe bowl set over a simmering pot of water. Heat the beeswax slowly until it is completely melted, stirring occasionally. Monitor the temperature with a thermometer; beeswax should not exceed 185°F (85°C).
- Add Natural Elements (Optional): If you're adding dried flowers, herbs, or pinecones, gently stir them into the melted wax.
- Pour the Wax: Carefully pour the melted wax into the prepared jars or molds, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
- Cool and Cure: Allow the candles to cool completely undisturbed. This may take several hours or even overnight. As the wax cools, it may shrink slightly, creating a small depression around the wick. You can remelt a small amount of wax and pour it over the top to fill in any gaps.
- Trim the Wick: Once the candles are completely cooled, trim the wick to about ¼ inch.
While we focus on candles around Thanksgiving, the homestead provides autumn harvest treasures well beyond the wax needed for candles! Think of the delicious preserves made from foraged fruits and vegetables or the pickled delicacies that grace our Thanksgiving table.
Infusing Your Candles with Autumn's Aromas:
To create truly special natural decor, experiment with adding essential oils to your beeswax candles. A few drops of cinnamon, clove, or orange essential oil can evoke the warm and comforting scents of autumn. Remember to use essential oils that are specifically designed for candle making and follow the manufacturer's instructions for usage. You can even blend your own custom scents to create a unique fragrance that captures the essence of your autumn harvest.
Lighting the Way: A Symbol of Gratitude
Once the candles are made, we use them to decorate our Thanksgiving table and light them during our family meal. The warm, golden glow of the beeswax candles creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere, setting the stage for a heartfelt celebration of gratitude.
The candles also serve as a beautiful reminder of the simple joys in life. The process of making them reminds us to slow down and appreciate the present moment, while the act of lighting them symbolizes our gratitude for the blessings in our lives. It also reminds us that like the loaves of bread, crafted with care, we can create a warm and welcoming space for our family traditions.
Beyond Decoration: A Gift from the Heart
These handmade Thanksgiving gifts aren't just for us. We often give them to friends and family as a token of our appreciation. Sharing the fruits of our labor is a way to spread the spirit of Thanksgiving and show our loved ones that we care.
And involving the children in the process teaches them valuable lessons about sustainability, creativity, and the importance of giving back. It’s so special to see their little hands carefully dipping flowers into the warm wax. This slow living lifestyle connects us all.
Rejecting Consumerism, Embracing Connection
In a world saturated with consumerism, it's easy to get caught up in the pressure to buy the latest gadgets and decorations. But Thanksgiving, at its heart, is about something much deeper than material possessions. It's about connection, gratitude, and appreciating the simple things in life.
By embracing traditions like making beeswax candles, we can create a more meaningful and fulfilling Thanksgiving experience. We can reject the pressure to buy and consume, and instead focus on connecting with nature, family, and community. This year, let's choose mindful celebrations over mindless consumption. Let’s cultivate a Thanksgiving tradition that nourishes our souls and honors the earth.