Make Your Own Christmas Luminaries with Candles and Decorated Bags

For centuries, in one form or another, luminaries have been lit along roads and streets to commemorate the search by Mary and Joseph for shelter on Christmas Eve.  The modern version of luminaries can be as simple as a candle in a paper bag to a fancy metal container with stars, bells, or other images punch-pressed on the sides.  Whatever container you choose, luminaries are one of the nicest ways to bring light and movement to your outdoor decorating scheme.  Thanks to the  low cost of votive Christmas candles, it’s also one of the most inexpensive too!

Making your own luminaries can be a fun project for the entire family.  Many dollar stores offer a variety of colored lunch bags; personally I like a variety of colors, but you can focus on just red or green, or a single color if you prefer.  Before you shop, estimate the number you will need – I like to place Christmas luminaries about 18” apart; you can go wider, but I wouldn’t go over two feet between bags.  It’s also quite pretty to place one bag on each step leading to your doorway, and if your front steps don’t have a wall on one side, place a luminary on both ends to extra effect.

Now let the kids draw Christmas designs on the outside of the bags with magic markers or crayons.  Stars, Christmas trees, angels – whatever their little hearts desire.  At dusk, place the bags outside, with a little sand in the bottom to hold them in place, nestle a single votive candle into the sand, add a flame, and voila! You now have a beautifully lit path leading Christmas guests to your doorway. 

You can find a great selection of votive candles and votive candle holders at Discount Candle Shop. If your children are small or you have pets and thus prefer electric or battery operated votive candles, 100Candles has the best selection at fantastic prices!