Candle Season is almost here

Although there is always candle season at Moonridge, Fall really is our most busy season. When I first started Moonridge in 2021, I had no idea how much the candles would actually sell during Fall. As soon as Summer starts coming to an end, things pick up pretty fast. And for some reason it always comes as a bit of a surprise. I never seem to learn.

After spending summer in Europe, the mountains of California, and a few trips to the beach, I am so ready for the more cozy months. 

We have already re-stocked our Fall and Winter scents. Please check them out if you wish to start the season in the absolute coziest way.

What else has happened? I made sure the other day to order more books. I'm definitely in a book phase right now where I just want to stay away from screens as much as possible, light a candle, cozy up, and read. Although we still have at least one month left until real Fall weather here in Northern California, I can still see a slight shift of the colors in nature.

Also, I've been looking into my Ikigai.

Ikigai (生き甲斐) is a Japanese concept that roughly translates to "a reason for being" or "a reason to get up in the morning." It's the sense of purpose or fulfillment you get from doing something you find meaningful.

Some might say it's your purpose in life. The one thing that you do that makes your heart sing. Also known as your divine gift.

I guess you can say I found my Ikigai:

To create light, literally through candles, is one of the oldest human practices tied to comfort, ritual, and presence.

To create light, in the sense of creating small moments of warmth and calm for other people.

Another thing that's been on my mind lately, is how much slower I want this next season of life to feel. It's easy to get swept up in the busyness of Fall, especially with the shop, and forget the whole reason I started making candles in the first place: to slow down, not speed up. So this year I'm trying something different. Before the orders really start rolling in, I want to set a few simple rituals for myself, a cup of tea before I open my laptop, a short walk before the school pickup, a candle lit at the end of the day, no matter how full it was.

I think that's the real gift of Fall. It gives us permission to turn inward again after a summer of being out in the world. To close the windows a little earlier, pull out the wool blankets, and let the pace of things soften.

If you're feeling that pull too, I'd love to know. What does slowing down look like for you this season?