Tonight begins Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. There’s beauty and a sense of peace one feels while gazing into the warm glow of firelight. As I write this I reflect on a new family tradition borne out of necessity.
Two years ago on Thanksgiving, our family started a new holiday tradition – lighting four candles in memory of my husband. It was our first holiday without him and the first time in thirty years we celebrated elsewhere. We were already experiencing changes in our lives and celebrations but I wanted to take back some small sense of control by initiating a new family tradition of our choice.
That’s when the Four Candles tradition began. It’s not easy finding a candle holder with four branches. One, two, and three stems seem most common. I didn’t like any of the commercial candleholders I found. So I decided if you can’t find one you like, make your own!
You will need
- 4 votive candles
- Label maker (or decorative markers)
- 1 5 x 7 piece of stiff cardboard
- Wrapping paper (could also use aluminum foil)
- Ribbon or decorative bling, optional
- Glue gun
- tape
- Scissors
Instructions
- Wrap the cardboard with paper or foil and tape
- Glue the votive candles to the wrapped board
- Glue the ribbon and any decorations to the board
- Using a label maker (or sharpie markers) write out thes four words: grief, love, And attach to the votive holder
- print out a copy of the Four Candles poem
- *Do not leave flame unattended
Here’s a few more inspirational poems involving candles. https://www.compassionatefriends.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/WCL-Poem-Ideas.pdf
Alternatives: Use LED battery operated votive candles if you don’t wish an open flame. Upcycled Oui yogurt jars can be used as a candle holder, for a more permanent candle display. Pick and choose colors you like and that have meaning for you and your loved one.
When former family traditions no longer fit, it’s okay to create new ones.