The Candles

Once there was a big, shiny wax candle who thought he was the best. “I’m made of the finest wax,” he said proudly. “I burn brighter and last longer than any other candle. I belong in fancy places, like chandeliers and silver candlesticks.”

Nearby, a simple tallow candle listened. “You must have a wonderful life,” the tallow candle said. “I’m just made of tallow. I was dipped many times to make me strong. Even though I’m not as fancy as you, I’m happy where I am. I live in the kitchen, where all the food is made.”

The wax candle bragged, “There are more important things than food! I get to shine at parties. Tonight, I’m going to a big ball in a fancy room with other wax candles.”

Just then, someone came to take all the wax candles for the party. But the tallow candle wasn’t forgotten. The lady of the house took him to the kitchen and gave him to a poor boy who had come to pick up some food. “Here’s a candle for you,” she said kindly. “Your mother can use it when she stays up late to work.”

The lady’s little daughter stood close by, and when she heard "late at night," she got excited. “I’m going to stay up late tonight too!” she exclaimed. “We are having a ball, and I’m going to wear my big red ribbon!”

No candle could ever shine as brightly as the eyes of a happy child. The tallow candle thought to himself, “Happiness is such a beautiful thing to see. I must remember how it looks, because I may not see it again.” Then they put him in the basket and closed the lid. Away the boy went with it.

As they walked, the tallow candle wondered, “Where am I going? Maybe I’ll live with people who don’t have fancy candlesticks like the wax candle.”

And that’s exactly what happened. The tallow candle was brought to a small, cozy home where a widow lived with her three children. “Thank you for this candle,” the widow said as she lit it. “It will help me work tonight.”

At first, the tallow candle flickered a little sadly. “I’m sure the wax candle is shining brightly at the party,” he thought. “How nice it must be to sit in a silver holder with all the important people around.”

But then, he saw the children’s happy faces as they gathered around the table. They were excited about having warm potatoes for dinner. The smallest girl smiled as she whispered to her siblings, “We’re having warm potatoes tonight!”

The candle began to feel happy too. He realized that joy can be found in simple things. As he watched the family enjoy their dinner and say a small thank you, the tallow candle thought, “This is a special moment too.”

Later, the children went to bed, and their mother stayed up to sew. The stars outside shone over both the grand house and the small one, making everything peaceful and bright. The tallow candle glowed softly and thought, “I wonder if the wax candle, sitting in his silver holder, is feeling as happy as I am right now. I’d really like to know that.”

And with that, the tallow candle felt warm inside, knowing that even in a small place, he had brought light and joy to a loving family.