My book club meets once a month, and each of our twelve members takes a turn hosting the meeting—serving snacks and lunch before we sit down to discuss the book. I always try to work the menu around the theme or environment of the book we’re discussing.

Book Club was at my house this month, and the book we read was A Shadow in Moscow, by Katherine Reay. I highly recommend it, by the way—and since it’s a spy novel set in Russia, I researched and prepared Russian appetizers, soup, salads, and desserts, some of which were actually mentioned in the book.

One of the hostess gifts I received was a gingerbread-scented candle. I lit and enjoyed the candle while I was writing out my thank-you notes for the hostess gifts, and the scent of gingerbread lingered for hours. Since then, I’ve made a daily habit of lighting the candle and spending a few minutes reading, writing, or doing paperwork—anything that gives me an excuse to sit at the table, take in the gingerbread scent, and then enjoy it for the rest of the day. As the holidays approach, I know I’ll enjoy this little ritual even more, partly because it will force me to take a bit of time out from the busyness of the season, and partly because gingerbread is so closely associated with Christmas.

I’m reminded now of a newspaper column I wrote years ago, after establishing a similar ritual with a scented candle I received as a Christmas gift. At that time, I got in the habit of sitting down at the kitchen table first thing in the morning with my calendar, notes, lists, file folders, and anything else related to whatever projects I was working on or getting ready to start. I made myself a cup of green tea, lit my candle, and spent a few minutes organizing and prioritizing my schedule and tasks for the day. I quickly realized that I began to get more done in less time, and was more focused, relaxed, and productive than when I started the day by rushing into whatever was the most urgent task—or had the tightest deadline.

I continued with this ritual even after I packed that candle away with the rest of our Christmas decorations. I don’t remember when or why I stopped beginning my day that way, but I’m happy my new candle has reignited—no pun intended—a variation of that ritual that I can use and enjoy today.

I don’t know how long it will be before this candle burns out, but I have others I can use when it does. And whatever scent or season it evokes, I’m sure it will give me the warm glow of peace and pleasure that, like the sweet scent from my gingerbread candle, will accompany me through the rest of the day.

October 27, 2024
©Betty Liedtke, 2024

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