Christmas Candle Poem Gift: Easy DIY Christmas Stocking Filler

Pair a Christmas tree candle with “A Christmas Candle,” an original poem by Rita Wilson, and wrap them together for a small gift with a heartfelt message. No candle pouring, sewing or special equipment required.

Get more details about this project

What you need

One small Christmas candle, such as these Christmas tree candles

White or cream printer-friendly cardstock

Printer

Scissors or a paper trimmer

Clear gift bag or a sheet of cellophane

Ribbon, gingham ribbon or baker’s twine

Hole punch

Optional small piece of firm card to support the candle inside the bag

Optional handwritten gift label

Instructions

There’s something lovely about a small Christmas gift that comes with a few meaningful words. It doesn’t need to be expensive or take an entire weekend to make. Sometimes a little candle, a printed poem and a ribbon are enough to let someone know you’ve thought of them.

This Christmas candle poem gift is one of those simple projects I love having up my sleeve when December starts getting a bit busy. You can make one for a neighbour, tuck one into a hamper or put together a little batch for friends. It’s also a useful way to turn a bought candle into something more personal without needing to make the candle yourself.

The snowy Christmas tree tealights shown here suit the project beautifully. Their green branches, white snowy details and tiny red decorations already look festive, so the wrapping can stay simple. A red gingham bow and a cream poem card finish everything off nicely.

The poem, written by Rita Wilson exclusively for CraftBits.com, encourages us to pause, appreciate our families and think of others. It gives this little gift its meaning.

If you’re gathering ideas for a handmade festive season, browse our Christmas crafts for more projects to make alongside it.

Instructions

1. Choose your candle

Select a small candle that will sit securely inside your gift packaging. A Christmas tree tealight in its metal cup works well, but you could also use a plain pillar candle or a small jar candle.

Check that the candle is undamaged and keep any manufacturer’s instructions or safety labels with the gift.

For this version, the candle is purchased ready-made. If you’d like to explore making candles yourself, visit our candle-making projects for a separate crafting session.

2. Prepare the poem card

Copy the poem below into a document and add the title at the top, with Rita Wilson’s name underneath the final verse.

For a readable card, start with an A6 layout, approximately 10.5 × 14.8 cm. Use a clear font around 11–12 points, then adjust the spacing so all four verses fit comfortably. Print one test copy before making a batch.

Keep the background white or pale cream so the words are easy to read. A small holly decoration in the corners is plenty. The poem should remain the main feature.

A Christmas Candle

This is a Christmas candle
To light but once a year
It is the time for giving
Excitement and good cheer

A time to think of others
I hope you’ll shed a tear
For those who live in poverty
Or those who live in fear

Think about the children
Scattered around this land
Who never know what Christmas is
Just try to understand

Be thankful for your blessings
Keep your family near
Give them all an extra hug
It’s only once a year.

By Rita Wilson

This original poem is exclusive to CraftBits.com and is provided for readers’ personal use when making gifts. Please do not republish it online or sell reproductions.

3. Print and trim

Print the card on cardstock suitable for your printer. Check that the title, all sixteen lines and the author credit are visible before trimming.

Cut around the card, leaving a little space between the words and the edge. If you plan to tie it to the ribbon, punch a hole near the top corner, away from the text.

You can also leave the card without a hole and place it inside the clear bag, facing outwards.

If you enjoy decorating your own tags, our paper craft projects offer more ideas for adding a personal finish.

4. Package the candle

Place the candle upright inside a clear gift bag. If the bag has a soft base, add a small piece of firm card underneath to help it stand.

For a tealight, leave the candle in its original metal cup. Position the poem card behind or beside it so the recipient can see both.

If you’re using a sheet of cellophane, place the candle in the centre and gently gather the wrapping above it. Avoid pulling the cellophane tightly against delicate wax branches.

5. Tie the ribbon

Tie the gathered wrapping with ribbon or twine, then add the poem card if it isn’t already inside the bag.

Red gingham gives the gift a cheerful, traditional finish. Forest green ribbon looks lovely with cream cardstock, while plain twine suits a simpler rustic style.

There’s no need to buy a whole new collection of wrapping supplies. This is a good little project for using those ribbon lengths that are too nice to throw away but never quite long enough for a large present.

6. Add a personal message

Write a short greeting on the back of the card, along with your name.

Something simple such as “A little Christmas light, with love from our family to yours” is enough to make the gift feel personal.

Easy Variations

Budget Christmas gifts: Divide a multipack of candles into individual gifts. Print several poem cards on one sheet and use ribbon from your existing stash.

A more generous gift: Pair the poem with a small jar candle or include a separate, suitable tealight holder. Check the holder is designed for the candle’s size and type.

Christmas table favours: Place one wrapped candle at each adult guest’s setting and write their name on the back of the poem card.

Hamper additions: Tuck a wrapped candle into a Christmas hamper with tea, biscuits or another small handmade gift.

A decorative alternative: Use a battery-operated candle for someone who prefers a flameless display, explaining that it is an alternative to the candle described in the poem.

Candle Safety

Include a small note on the back of the card:

“Remove all packaging, ribbon, tags and decorative materials before lighting. Follow the candle manufacturer’s instructions. Use a suitable heat-resistant holder on a stable, heat-resistant surface, away from draughts and anything that could catch fire. Never leave a burning candle unattended. Keep away from children and pets.”

The poem’s reference to lighting the candle once a year is a sentimental message. Always follow the candle’s actual burning instructions, and replace it once used up.

Making a Batch for Christmas

If you’re making several gifts, work through one task at a time: print all the cards, trim them, cut the ribbon and then assemble the packages.

Keep the finished gifts somewhere cool and out of direct sunlight, especially here in Australia. A sunny windowsill or a hot car can spoil a wax candle before it reaches its recipient.

These little Christmas candle gifts are a reminder that thoughtful presents don’t have to be elaborate. A small candle, a meaningful poem and a few minutes spent making it look special can be a lovely way to share some Christmas kindness.