how to choose the perfect christmas candle (based on scent psychology)

String of lights on a dark background

CHOOSE YOUR PERFECT CHRISTMAS CANDLE

Not all Christmas candles are created equal and not every scent suits every person, home, or mood.

At KOADE scented candles, we believe choosing a candle should feel like choosing a story. The right scent doesn’t just make a room smell better, it can transform your space, your mindset, and your mood. Especially at Christmas, when emotions run deep and homes become sanctuaries from the world.

This time of year, we’re surrounded by festive fragrance. From pine trees to mulled wine, from spiced bakes to incense at midnight mass. The smells of Christmas are everywhere. But when it comes to choosing the right Christmas candle for yourself or as a gift, it helps to understand how scent psychology works.

Different notes evoke different moods. Some awaken us. Others ground us. Some bring comfort. Others clarity.

So, when you’re shopping for a festive candle, don’t just ask: What smells good?

Ask: How do I want to feel this Christmas?

Here’s a guide to choosing between KOADE’s two limited-edition festive scents: TREE and SPICE (coming soon...)

CHOOSE TREE IF...

You’re craving freshness, clarity, and that unmistakable “real Christmas tree” feel.

Our TREE candle is a celebration of evergreen life. A vibrant, uplifting blend of pine needles, crisp eucalyptus, grounding rosemary and warm woody undertones. It evokes the scent of a freshly cut tree standing proudly in your living room. Fairy lights twinkling, decorations collected over decades, and the quiet excitement of the season just beginning.

Why it works:

Pine is one of nature’s great mood enhancers. Scientifically speaking, it’s rich in alpha-pinene, a compound that’s been shown to reduce anxiety, lower cortisol levels, and improve focus. In Japan, people practice shinrin-yoku forest bathing. for its healing effects. TREE brings that same forest calm into your home.

Best for:

  • Early mornings and fresh starts
  • Festive minimalists and nature-lovers
  • Gifting to those who love a crisp, clean scent
  • Hosting Christmas brunch or decorating the tree

CHOOSE SPICE IF...

You’re drawn to warmth, depth, and a touch of festive indulgence.

Our SPICE candle is rich and evocative. A slow burn in every sense. It blends zesty orange with clove, cinnamon and subtle wood notes to create a scent that feels both sacred and sensual. It’s the olfactory equivalent of curling up with a blanket, a book, and a glass of red wine while the world outside turns cold and quiet.

Why it works:

Spicy and resinous scents like these stimulate the limbic system. The part of the brain that governs emotion and memory. Clove has natural calming properties. Cinnamon is warm, sweet, and uplifting, often associated with comfort, nostalgia, and festive baking. Together, they create a deeply grounding, comforting atmosphere.

Best for:

  • Evenings by the fire
  • Gifting to traditionalists or homebodies
  • Creating a cosy, welcoming mood for guests
  • Christmas dinner, quiet reflection, or winter rituals

GIFTING TIP! WHICH CANDLE FOR WHICH HOME?

Candle gifting is personal. A good scent says “I know you.”

Here’s how to choose the right KOADE candle for the people in your life:

  • For the minimalist or modern home: Go with TREE. Its crisp freshness and clean design sit beautifully in light, airy spaces.
  • For the cosy or traditional home: Choose SPICE. Its rich aroma and deeper palette complement warm interiors, soft textures, and candle-lit evenings.
  • Want to impress? Give both as a set the ultimate gift of mood, memory, and choice. You could even wrap them with a note: “Fresh start or cosy night in? You decide.”

WHAT MAKES KOADE CANDLES DIFFERENT?

All of KOADE’s luxury Christmas candles are:

  • Hand-poured in small batches
  • Made with our custom coconut, soy, and rapeseed wax blend
  • Housed in elegant glass vessels, perfect for gifting or keeping
  • Crafted in the UK with care, precision, and memory in mind

TREE and SPICE are only available for a limited time. So whether you’re shopping for loved ones or curating your own seasonal sanctuary, now’s the time to pick your festive scent.