Finally, write this shit down somewhere. Physically. Or print it out. I don't care. The point is, assume at any point in time this thread will disappear for you, and that you will be too many lime-a-ritas deep to remember if it's 12" or 2" away from flammable objects.

If you're worried about not having enough matches/lighters, make one of your candles the firebearer. Not only does it give it a cool title it can show off to its friends, it means you light one candle and then use it to light all the others, saving you on matches/lighter uses.

Not strictly safety, but if you are using a candelabra/candlestick for the first time, blow out and swap your candles BEFORE they burn all the way into the cup. Trust me. It may seem wasteful at first but it will save you time/labor and help to prevent The Wobbles later.

If you are a Victorian wife wandering a hall looking for secrets (or just anyone using a candelabra/candlestick) your candle should fit SECURELY IN THE CUP WITH NO WOBBLES.

Wobbles = failure points.

Failure points = violating the 12" rule and risking a case of the "OW SHIT FUCK SHIT"s.

Not all smells are intentional either; some candle waxes (I'm looking at you beeswax) will produce smoke. Though this is normal, it can impact people and animals with breathing issues.

That smoke will also cling to things, so anticipate washing any nearby objects later. This includes walls.

Which brings me to another thing: avoid scented candles if you can, or limit them to just one in a big space. Many small pets (birds, reptiles) do not do well with the chemicals in scented candles, and it means you won't be dick slapped by going from christmas to strawberries every time you piss.

Speaking of dogs, keep your candles away from your furry friends and kids. They are flammable objects. Flammable objects that WILL hit warp speed the moment they panic (as on fire things tend to do) and sprint through other flammable things.

Be careful when blowing out candles by cupping your hand behind them or using a snuffer. I personally prefer to use a snuffer because I'm a weird goth bitch, but always assume that the wax is lighter than you think and could splatter, which is fine on a tray but not on your dog.

Unjarred candles may also have a recommended limit. This is another version of my "read your fucking manual" screeching, but seriously. Read the instructions that come with your candles.

If you are using an unjarred candle (taper candle, pillar candle, etc.) make sure it has a flat, non-glass, non-flammable base. This could be a candle holder/candelabra or a metal tray, but avoid using glass not designed for use with candles as it can break or shatter with heat.

Jarred candles have a time limit. No, seriously. Jarred candles, like Yankee candles, have a recommended burn limit. Read your candle for details and double check the website while you still have internet if you don't see it on the candle.

Treat all liquid wax like it WILL burn you, and try not to move candles with liquid wax.

The wax won't set you on fire, but the flame will when you spill hot wax on yourself and drop the candle while screaming "OW SHIT FUCK SHIT".

Speaking of flames, the visible flame is not the hottest part of the candle; the area immediately above it is. Be mindful of hand placement and broad gesticulations.

Trim your wicks before you light your candle—they should be ~1/4" (no bigger than a pea). This prevents the flame from growing too big/unruly.

Always keep candles at least 12" (about the length of your forearm + an inch or two) from anything flammable. This is not negotiable. Assume everything is flammable or hates fire unless EXPLICITLY labelled otherwise.

Ideally, keep a fire extinguisher on hand. But if you don't have one, keep open water near anywhere you're burning candles.

"But it could spill!"

Would you rather mop up some water or pick through the ashes of your former home?