Holiday Candle Traditions and Safety

Carol Riggles • December 7, 2022

It is that time of year when we welcome lighted candles into our homes whether its for a Diwali diya, Hanukkah hanukkiah, a Yule log, Advent wreath, or the Kwanzaa kinara.  Please keep in mind that the #1 danger during the holidays is fire, which is increased by using candles to illuminate sacred traditions and ceremonies. 


Diwali, also called the Festival of Lights, is a five day celebration of light over darkness and marks a time for making wishes for the coming year. On Diwali night, people dress up and light diyas, or lamps and candles, inside and outside the home. Lamps that float are sent out on water with wishes to Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. 


The Hanukkah celebration revolves around the lighting of a nine-branched menorah, known as the hanukkiah. On each of the holiday’s eight nights, another candle is added to the hanukkiah after sundown; the ninth candle, called the shamash (“helper”), is used to light the others. Blessings are typically recited during this ritual and the hanukkiah is often displayed prominently in a window as a reminder to others of the miracle that inspired the holiday. 


During the week-long celebration of Kwanzaa, seven candles are placed in a kinara (a Swahili word that means candle holder) —three red on the left, three green on the right, and a single black candle in the center. The seven candles represent the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa and a new candle is lit on the kinara each day. The center black candle is lit first, and the lighting then proceeds from left to right, the new candle being lit corresponding to the principle of that day. In this way, each day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to the contemplation of one of the Seven Principles. Each of the candles also has a meaning. The black one symbolizes the African people, the red their struggle, and the green the future and hope that comes from their struggle. 


Christmas has its own candle traditions as well, such as counting down the four Sunday’s before the holiday during a period called Advent and the ancient Yule log that in modern times has become a decorative candle holder for the dinner table.   


Using candles safely during the holiday season is possible by following these tips from the National Candle Association: 

  1. Never leave a burning candle unattended.  Make sure the candle is completely out and the wick ember is no longer glowing before leaving the room. 
  2. Never burn a candle on or near anything that might catch fire. 
  3. Make sure children and pets cannot reach or knock over burning candles. 
  4. Never touch or move a candle while it is burning or while the wax is liquefied. 
  5. Don’t burn a candle all the way down. For a margin of safety, discontinue burning a candle when 1/2 inch remains in the container or 2 inches if using a pillar candle. 
  6. Place burning candles at least three inches apart from one another. This is to make sure they don’t melt one another, or create their own drafts that will cause the candles to burn improperly. 
  7. Extinguish a candle if the flame becomes too high or flickers repeatedly. Let the candle cool, trim the wick, and check for unwanted drafts before re-lighting. 
  8. Never use a candle as a night light or while you may fall asleep. 



This season is an opportunity to appreciate the differences and similarities between our holidays across a variety of cultures. As you make plans to gather with your own family, take some time to learn about the traditions of others, and pull inspiration from customs you might not have known about before.  And above all, keep your family’s safety in mind every time you light a candle! 

Weinberg House Renovation Brings New Life to Senior Living

By Vickie Mills • June 2, 2026
Exciting, the final renovations of the last two units are underway at Weinberg House, a long-standing affordable senior living community in Fredrick, Maryland. Originally built in 1994, the property provided safe, stable housing for older adults for decades. Renovations began on May 1, 2023. At that time, they had a total of 23 units to renovate. The renovations included freshly painted walls, new carpet in the bedrooms, new flooring in the other rooms, new cabinets in the bathroom, as well as new kitchen cupboards, fixtures and new appliances. The final two units will be ready for lease up June 15, 2026. The renovation of Weinberg House represents a meaningful investment in both people and place. By modernizing the property while protecting its mission, this project will help ensure that affordable, welcoming housing remains available for seniors for years to come. It is an encouraging example of how thoughtful redevelopment can strengthen communities and honor the residents who call them home.

Interfaith Housing Alliance (IHA) is proud to announce three funding awards during the last quarter from our community partners.

By Rachel Gardner • June 2, 2026
In March 2026, IHA was awarded a $50,000 grant through the Frederick County Government’s Helping Empower Area Resources Together (HEART). These one-time operational funds were awarded to mitigate the effects of the longest federal government shutdown in history. This grant has allowed IHA to continue providing essential programs and services to Frederick County residents despite challenges at the federal level. IHA was also awarded a $5,000 grant from the City of Frederick through the Community Promotion Grant program. This grant supports aging in place and youth development needs among City residents through IHA’s Supportive Services. The program serves residents of IHA’s senior and multi-family affordable rental communities at 222 Broadway Street (Weinberg House) and 520 N. Market Street, respectively. In April 2026, IHA was also awarded a $25,000 Community Partnership Grant from Frederick County Government. This grant supports IHA’s full range of Financial Dignity and Empowerment Services, including our homeownership and financial education programming. IHA’s Purchase-Repair Program provides an avenue to homeownership for those who otherwise would not qualify for a traditional home loan. In Credit Café, participants work specifically on improving their credit. Financial Freedom Bootcamp helps participants improve their skills in budgeting, saving, debt reduction, and financial goal setting. The Frederick Affordable Housing Incubator (FAHI) brings multiple sectors together to increase the affordable housing inventory in Frederick County.

36 Years of Building Stability, Opportunity, and Hope

By Lacy Ames • June 2, 2026
For 36 years, the Interfaith Housing Alliance has stood beside individuals and families as they navigate some of life’s most difficult moments. What began as a mission rooted in compassion and community partnership has grown into an organization that continues to make a lasting impact across our region, helping families find stability, build financial confidence, and create brighter futures. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we are not only reflecting on where we have been, but also recognizing the incredible growth, resilience, and innovation that continue to shape IHA today. Over the past 36 years, IHA has evolved to meet the changing needs of the community while remaining committed to the same core belief: everyone deserves access to safe housing, financial education, and the opportunity to thrive. Through housing counseling, financial education workshops, community partnerships, and affordable housing initiatives, IHA has empowered thousands of individuals and families with the tools, support, and stability needed to move forward with confidence. Beyond education and counseling services, IHA’s long-standing commitment to affordable housing development has helped create lasting impact throughout the community. Over the years, IHA has developed, built, and managed affordable housing units that have provided safe, stable homes for countless individuals and families. These housing initiatives represent more than buildings, they represent opportunity, dignity, and the foundation for stronger futures. The growth and preservation of affordable housing remains a vital part of IHA’s legacy and ongoing mission. Behind every program, every workshop, and every success story is a community of people who believe in the work we do. Our staff, volunteers, donors, partners, and supporters have played an essential role in helping IHA grow over the last three and a half decades. Their dedication and belief in our mission continue to fuel the impact we are able to make every day. Most importantly, we celebrate the individuals and families who have trusted IHA to be part of their journey. Every financial goal reached, every housing challenge overcome, and every moment of renewed confidence is a reminder of why this work matters. As we look ahead, we remain focused on continuing to innovate, educate, and advocate for stronger communities. The need for affordable housing resources and financial empowerment remains as important as ever, and IHA is committed to meeting that need with the same compassion and determination that has defined the organization for the past 36 years.  Thank you for being part of the Interfaith Housing Alliance story. Together, we celebrate 36 years of impact and look forward to the many more lives we will continue to support in the years ahead.
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