VALPARAISO, IN /UCWE/ - The holiday season is a time for sharing. Instead of the traditional cookie exchange, why not try a similar exchange with candles? A holiday candle exchange is a great way to get together with family and friends and share new scents as well as burning and safety tips. Give it a shot!

Scented soy candles are a great addition to any room of the house, but how safe is it? Soy candles are not all that different from paraffin as far as safety, but there are a few things about burning soy candles to be aware of.

Be sure to place the soy candle on a heat resistant, dry surface away from anything flammable and definitely out of reach of children, pets, and drafts. When appropriate, holders designed particularly for that style of candle can be used. A burning candle should never be left unattended. Keep the candle in sight at all times. Avoid burning candles in a draft or near excessive vibration, as this may cause uneven burning.

When burning soy candles, allow the candle to liquefy to the edge before extinguishing. This will prevent tunneling. The larger the diameter of the candle, the longer it will take the candle to liquefy to the edge. Occasionally, different fragrances burn at different rates of time. Never replace the lid on a container to extinguish the flame.

If the soy candle begins to smoke, it is an indication that the wick is too long. Extinguish the wick and wait for wax to solidify before trimming the wick and relighting. Do not tri wick when lighting the candle for the first time. After that, trim to ¼” to ½” before lighting.

Damaged containers should not be used. Do not use if cracked, chipped, or scratched. Glass containers may become hot. Always burn candle on a protected surface or coaster, and avoid moving lit candles.

Discontinue use of candle when ¼” of wax remains. Allowing candle to burn until no liquid remains will cause excessive heat, and may cause glass to break or incur damage to surface area where candle is being burned.

Do not allow direct sunlight to any soy wax candle. Sunlight may cause change in candle characteristics and/or even oxidize. Store candles in a cool, dark, dry place.