Candles are a favorite during the holiday season because they bring warmth and a cozy glow to the home. Many families use them to decorate dinner tables, window sills, and mantels alongside seasonal decor. While candles look beautiful, they can also create real risks if used without care. Fires linked to candles happen more often during the holidays because of the extra decorations around the home. The good news is that you can enjoy candles safely if you follow a few simple steps.

Keep Candles Away from Holiday Decor

Decorations like garlands, tinsel, trees, and ribbons add holiday cheer, but they are also highly flammable. A single candle placed too close to these items can quickly lead to a dangerous fire. To lower the risk, always keep candles at least one foot away from decorations. Think of creating a safe zone around every candle, free of anything that could catch fire. This simple step is one of the best ways to protect your home during the holiday season.

Use Sturdy Holders

A good candle holder makes a big difference in preventing accidents. Sturdy holders are designed to keep candles upright and catch any dripping wax. Avoid lightweight or unsteady holders that can tip over if bumped. Place holders on flat, steady surfaces so the flame does not get too close to other objects. Choosing the right holder is a small detail that goes a long way in holiday fire prevention.

Never Leave Candles Unattended

One of the most important candle safety tips is to never walk away from a burning candle. Fires can start in just a few seconds if the candle tips over or burns too close to the holder. Always blow out candles before leaving the room, going to sleep, or stepping outside. If you are hosting a holiday gathering, assign someone to check that candles are put out when people move from one room to another. This habit takes only a moment but can prevent serious damage.

Try Battery-Operated Candles

If you love the look of candles but want to lower the risks, battery-operated candles are a smart option. These flameless candles look very similar to real ones and some even flicker to mimic the flame. They are especially useful in homes with children or pets, where open flames can be unpredictable. With battery-operated candles, you can decorate safely and enjoy the glow without worry. This option gives you peace of mind during a busy holiday season.

Place Candles on Heat-Resistant Surfaces

The surface where you place a candle matters more than many people think. Surfaces like wood tables, cloth runners, or plastic trays can be damaged or even start a fire if wax drips or heat builds up. Always use a heat-resistant plate, tray, or coaster under your candles. This adds an extra layer of protection and keeps your furniture safe. A small adjustment like this can make a big difference in preventing accidents.

Trim Wicks Before Lighting

Trimming candle wicks is a simple safety habit that many people forget. Long or uneven wicks can create larger flames that burn hotter and faster. By trimming the wick to about a quarter of an inch before lighting, you control the size of the flame and reduce sparks. This makes your candles safer and helps them last longer. It is a quick task that adds both safety and value to your candle use.

Store Matches and Lighters Safely

With holiday gatherings, there are often children around who might be curious about matches or lighters. Keep these items in a safe place that children cannot reach. Storing them properly not only makes candle use safer but also prevents other fire risks around the home. Safety starts with keeping fire-starting tools out of the wrong hands. This is an important step in overall holiday fire prevention.

Extinguish Candles the Right Way

When you are ready to put out a candle, the method matters. Blowing out a flame can sometimes cause hot wax to splatter or sparks to fly. A better way is to use a candle snuffer or carefully dip the wick into the wax and then straighten it again. This ensures the flame is fully out and reduces smoke. Taking a little extra care when extinguishing keeps your home safer.