To be honest, I have attempted to combat it. Every Instagram post about “pumpkin season” has made me roll my eyes. I swear I was too sophisticated for candles with themes. Nevertheless, I return to Yankee Candle with one jar in hand as soon as the leaves begin to crunch underfoot. You already know which one it is.
I no longer resist this small ritual because it has become so predictable. I’ve leaned in instead. Because, really? I feel like I’ve upgraded my apartment for the season without having to spend a fortune on décor when I light this candle at the end of a long day.
The Aroma That Declares “Fall Is Here”
The scent has layers, despite the name being straightforward. I receive more than just “pumpkin pie.” I get a hint of nutmeg, warm cinnamon, and a vanilla finish that lasts long after the flame has extinguished. Additionally, there is a hint of clove, which lessens the sweetness and gives it a mature, non-gimmicky feel.
I was most taken aback by how well-balanced it is. Certain seasonal candles have a heavy feel to them, like a cake that has been baked for too long. This one is comfortable without being stuffy. It’s close to dessert without giving me a sugar rush.
Lighting it is like flipping a seasonal switch: I’m thinking about pies cooling on farmhouse windowsills while I’m wrapped in an imaginary plaid, and then I’m scrolling through work emails. I’m not angry about it.
Not Merely a Jar
The traditional glass jar comes to mind when most people think of Yankee Candle. Yes, I originally purchased that format. However, I’ve since discovered that there are several ways to infuse your space with that scent:
- The marathon option is the large jar candle. It fills a large space and lasts the longest.
- Small Jar: Ideal for smaller spaces, this jar is less intimidating.
- Votive: A size tester. I have a stash for visitors.
- Wax Melts: Powerful and flame-free.
- Car Freshener: I don’t think my car has ever smelled so seasonally appropriate.
Everybody has a place. For my part, I purchase votives for my bedroom, a large jar for my living room, and one of those car jars because, well, why not?
Why I Return to It Each Year
This scent has a timeless quality to it. It creates a vibe in addition to having a pleasant scent. My apartment moves when I light it. Stress at work somewhat subsides. It feels especially cozy on my couch. Netflix shows seem cozier in some way.
Perhaps that’s why I don’t grow weary of it. This candle falls nicely in the middle, in contrast to candles that are either too sweet or too musky. It’s not dull, but it feels familiar.
It’s also strangely adaptable. It makes the space feel cozy and concentrated, and I can burn it while working from home during the day. It seems romantic at night when the lights are low and I’m covered with a blanket.
The appeal includes that range.
Burning Without Remorse
Before, all I did was light candles and hope for the best. It dawned on me then that I was undermining myself. I discovered the following via trial and several wax mishaps:
- Always trim the wick. prevents black smoke and maintains a steady flame.
- On the first burn, allow the top to melt uniformly. If not, half of the candle will be wasted and you will have a tunnel.
- Light it for no more than two to four hours. It is not stronger when it is longer. It simply gets too hot.
- Arrange it wisely. Close to a draft? Bid farewell to even burning.
These may seem like insignificant details, but they really determine whether you get an uneven jar that lasts only a month or weeks of use.
When I Betray Pumpkin
I don’t remain faithful throughout the season. The Yankees have a strong fall lineup, and I’ve tasted more than I should:
- Autumn Wreath: crisp, hot, and slightly woodsy. When I want a “walk in the park” feeling, I burn this.
- Apple Pumpkin: Fruitier and sweeter. Imagine a homemade pie cooling on the counter.
- Pumpkin Banana Scone: Warm, sweet enough for a bakery without being overbearing.
- Macintosh: A fresh apple aroma. Sharp, fresh, and not sweet.
The truth is, I enjoy each and every one of them. But for some reason, I always end up choosing the pumpkin option. It’s simply the most adaptable. For a week, the others experience niche fun, but after that, it becomes excessive. This particular one? Until December, it is safe to light every day.
Do People Really Enjoy It?
Before making a purchase, I read reviews even though I trust my instincts. What other people have to say is consistent with my experience:
- It’s a powerful throw. Even from across the room, you can smell it.
- It is reliable. It doesn’t fade in the middle of the burn due to an odd wax-to-air ratio.
- It endures. For weeks, the large jar stretches.
The few unfavorable reviews? Some claim it’s overly sweet. This makes sense if you don’t like comforting smells. However, you most likely are if you clicked on this article.
Where I Purchase Mine
This is where I typically shop:
- The website of Yankee Candle. They conduct sales frequently.
- Amazon. Convenient, particularly if you’d rather stay on the couch.
- local retailers of home goods. They occasionally have discounted seasonal displays.
Expert advice: never purchase at full price. Yankee Candle is essentially dependent on sales. You’ll receive more codes than you know how to use if you sign up for emails.
A Bit of Science with Candles
For a moment, allow me to be a nerd. A cleaner wax blend was recently added to Yankee’s formula. What I’ve observed
- There are no wax cliffs forming, and the burn is smoother.
- The aroma isn’t just top-heavy; it feels richer.
- It’s a real miracle that I can smell several different scents without getting a headache.
I had no idea that candle science existed, but it seems to. And I benefit from it.
My Custom
I’ve gotten used to using mine this way. At the end of the day, the kitchen was cleaned and the laptop was closed. I put on a blanket, light the candle, and start reading a book—or, let’s be honest, Netflix. The atmosphere shifts. It is less like a weekday, softer, and calmer.
I occasionally even pretend to be in a movie montage while listening to a fall playlist. No guilt.
Options if You’re Intrigued
Indeed, Yankee faces competition. I’ve tried a few other brands, but to be honest, the majority are either overly sweet or fade too quickly. A version from Bath & Body Works is good for quick bursts, but it’s not nearly as long-lasting.
Seasonal fragrances can also be hand-poured by artisan brands, but their throw isn’t always powerful enough for larger spaces, and they are typically more expensive.
Value is what matters to me. Yankee does a better job than most at striking a balance between price and performance.
Concluding Remarks
Purchasing one of these candles is now as much a fall ritual as pulling out my sweaters. I may try different fragrances, but this one is always on my shelf. It makes my apartment feel like the coziest version of itself and is dependable and nostalgic.
I am that person, then. And really? It doesn’t bother me.