Chanukah is only three weeks away. I’ll say it again…THREE WEEKS. When Chanukah is in early December, it’s both a blessing and a curse. It compounds Thanksgiving stress by adding buying and sending presents simultaneously with planning dinner. However, on December 10th, when it’s over, it’s over, and I can sit back and enjoy the rest of the year without removing a single credit card from my wallet.

That being said, our first green switch this Chanukah was our candles. Beeswax candles, rather than traditional wax ones, are all natural, dripless, uniquely non-toxic, and smells like the honeycombs they came from. They’re also non-allergenic, so they’re safe for kids with asthma and other airborne allergies. And, interestingly, burning pure beeswax actually helps purify the air, cleaning out odors, pollen, dust, and other toxins, so they’re actually healthful to burn year round.

The Jewish Museum has a nice array of beeswax Chanukah candles, including classic honey and multicolored for the kiddies. I also found a beeswax candle making kit - just add the wick and roll it up for maximum menorah fun!