Tips on Candle Storage to Safely Protect Your Christmas Candles for Next Year

Okay, now it is time to put away all the holiday decorations, and you want to make sure you do it right when it comes to all those great Christmas candles.  Here are a few ideas on how to protect your special treasures until it is time to enjoy them again.

Christmas Jar Candles and Pillar Candles

Begin by taking the time to trim all of the wicks to approximately ½” tall – this will help them to burn more evenly, and thus last longer, when you start enjoying them again. 

To protect pillar candles from getting damaged or damaging other items (red candles can “bleed” color on other items), consider wrapping them in tissue, then storing them inside an old gym sock.  Another option is protecting them with cellophane, but don’t use plastic wrap or wax paper, since these may attach themselves to the candle if exposed to any heat.

Before storing Christmas scented jar candles, make sure that the lids are secure, to avoid attracting pests through the scent.  Any chance that the box you are using for storage may get bumped over?  Take the additional step of enclosing each jar candle in bubble wrap for extra protection of the glass.

Shaped Christmas Candles

I bought several shaped candles this year, including some of those wonderful LED star shaped candles from Illuminations – you know, the ones that change colors when you light them.  I want to protect them to use again next year (they last a long time!), so I’m wrapping each individually in bubble wrap, then placing them securely in a box with further padding around the side so that the Christmas candles will not shift as the box is moved to and from storage. 

You can use this same technique for your shaped candles, whether they are small like the LED candles, or larger, like the Gingerbread House candle.  My friend purchased a few plastic storage containers large enough to hold her shaped candles after they were wrapped in tissue and bubble wrap, which makes it easy to store and stack, and even easier to identify when she’s ready to decorate again in December.  I agree – if you’ve spent a lot of money on great decorative holiday candles, don’t skimp on storing them!  Christmas candles can last for many years with proper care.

Christmas Candle Rings

Fortunately candle rings, such as Advent Candle Rings, can be stored in the same containers originally designed for Christmas wreaths.  This will protect their shape wonderfully.  If your candle ring has any scent, choose a plastic container rather than a cardboard container to prevent attracting pests.

Once everything has been wrapped and boxed, store your candles in a cool dry place, such as your basement.  Avoid locations like the garage or attic, where temperatures can vary.  Remember candles in a warm room can reshape in the heat and not be as beautiful next year.