Luminaries

A sidewalk lined with Christmas luminaries adds to an outdoor Christmas display. Winter luminaries are used as decoration for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Winter Solstice rituals and hold special meaning for each.

The history of Christmas luminaries differs between a few cultures. One of the earliest accounts dates back to the time of Mary and Joseph when luminaries lit their path to Bethlehem. Some say the history goes back even further.

Many churches still leave a Christmas Eve luminary beside their entrances, or line the path with them.

Stores sell electric Christmas luminaries as well as candle lit luminaries. A simple luminary is made with a paper bag, scissors and a candle. Cut patterns into the paper bag and place a lit candle inside. Be careful though as candle lit Christmas luminary bags made of paper can catch fire easily. Don't place them near anything that could catch fire if they tip over. Also check on their legal use as some counties have banned them due to fire hazard and drought conditions.

Since safety is an issue, some places offer luminary bags with special coating inside. Glass luminaries come in a variety of shapes and sizes including long tapered cylinders, wide pineapple shaped, and square shaped bases. During the holiday season metal luminaries line the store shelves. Normally square or rectangular in shape, cutouts and engravings of stockings, Santa Claus, elves, reindeer and snowmen decorate the metal luminaries.

To make one use a simple soup can. Clean with soap and remove the paper label. Carefully draw and cut desired shapes with metal cutters, or small torch. Use gloves when cutting to protect fingers and hands. The preferred candle to use for shorter luminaries is the tea light. Use caution when touching a metal luminary after blowing out the candle. Metal gets hot.

Safety conscious people can still use luminaries for Christmas decoration. One option is to purchase battery operated, or corded luminaries. Find predesigned luminary bags lit by an LED bulb where Christmas decorations are sold. The majority of these come in plastic containers, but a few metal ones do exist. Some craft shops and electrical supply stores sell the bulbs and cords on their own, giving crafters the option of creating their own bag or canister designs.

Today, novelty lighting holds many different luminary design types from simple vases and bags to a life sized Santa Claus. Next Christmas consider adding a luminary to outdoor decorations.