Christmas in Australia comes with sunshine, open windows and barbecues, which makes the usual heavy winter candle a tricky fit. Still, plenty of people want the smell of a pine tree in the house. A Christmas tree scented candle can do that job, as long as you pick the right style and use it with a bit of summer sense. Here is how.
In this guide
Why summer changes how you choose
In cold climates, thick, spicy scents feel cozy. In a hot, bright room they can feel suffocating, which is why a Christmas tree scented candle in Australia needs a lighter touch. Warm air also carries fragrance faster, so a candle that seems moderate in winter can fill a summer room very quickly.
That means a good Christmas tree scented candle for an Australian December should lean fresh. Think crisp green, a little citrus, perhaps a cool, minty edge. Heavy resin and sweet vanilla can still work, but in small doses.
Choosing the right Christmas tree scented candle
Read the scent description closely. For summer, look for words like fresh fir, green needles, crisp or cool. Avoid anything labelled as smoky, baked or heavily spiced if you are sensitive to heat.
- Fresh fir or spruce: bright, green and clean, the best summer choice.
- Pine with citrus: lemon or orange peel lifts the scent.
- Pine with herbs: rosemary or mint add a cooling note.
- Pine with eucalyptus: a nod to the Australian bush, fresh and herbal.
- Pine with soft woods: warmer, better for air-conditioned rooms and evenings.
If you enjoy the idea of local flavor, a blend with eucalyptus gives a familiar, green freshness. Many people find eucalyptus and pine pair naturally, since both read as clean and outdoorsy.
Where to burn it in warm weather
Pick your room with care. Air-conditioned living rooms suit a Christmas tree scented candle well, because the air is cooler and drier. Verandas and open-plan areas can work too, but wind will make the flame flicker and smoke, so shield it from breezes.
In small, closed rooms like bathrooms, burn a candle for a shorter time. Heat makes scent stronger, and stuffy air makes it feel heavier. In bedrooms, keep the scent soft, and put the candle out before you sleep.
Outdoors, use candles designed for outdoor use, and keep them in sturdy holders. In dry conditions, take extra care, since dry grass and bushland are a real hazard in many parts of Australia. Check local fire restrictions before using open flames outdoors, and never light a candle where it could start a fire. If in doubt, skip the flame and choose a battery lantern. A cheerful, fresh, safe Christmas is always better than a dramatic one.
Looking after candles in the heat
Many people forget this part of owning a Christmas tree scented candle in a warm country, but it decides how well it performs.
Heat is hard on wax. A candle left in a hot room, a sunny window or a car can soften, sweat, lose scent or even melt. Store your Christmas tree scented candle somewhere cool and dark, with the lid on. A cupboard or a shelf away from the sun is perfect.
When you burn it, expect the wax to melt faster in warm rooms. Keep an eye on the pool, and don’t let the candle burn down to the last bit of wax. Trim the wick to about a quarter of an inch before each use, and place the candle on a flat, heat-safe surface.
Never leave a candle unattended, and keep it away from decorations, curtains, paper and, of course, your real or artificial tree. Dry evergreens catch fire quickly, and holiday homes are full of flammable items.
If your candle has softened in the heat, put it in the fridge for an hour before use to firm it up, and always let it return to room temperature before lighting. A candle that has been through repeated heating and cooling may develop a frosty surface or a pitted top, which is cosmetic but can be a sign to store the next one more carefully.
Alternatives and pairings
A candle is not the only way to bring a Christmas tree scented candle mood into the house.
If you find a Christmas tree scented candle too much for your climate, try other ways to get the feel. A small bunch of fresh eucalyptus or pine branches in a vase smells lovely and looks festive. A reed diffuser needs no flame, and a flameless LED candle gives you the glow. Or pair a light candle with a bowl of citrus fruit for a summery Christmas table.
A fresh Christmas tree scented candle can also make a good gift for friends and family, especially those who live far from the cold climates of the carols. Choose a lighter style that suits a December heatwave, and add a note about burning it safely in warm weather.
A well-chosen Christmas tree scented candle can bring a little pine forest to a sunny Australian Christmas. Go fresh rather than heavy, store it cool, burn it safely and enjoy the festive smell while the sun shines.
More on this site: It's Beginning to Smell a lot like Christmas and Why Your Candle Smokes Black and How to Make It Stop.
Header photo: Geekstreet, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).
