Creating Aromatherapy Candles

Adding a few drops of essential oil to your melted wax before pouring is a simple way to make an aromatherapy candle. Alternately, if you want to add an aromatherapy scent to an unscented candle you can put several drops of essential oil around the wick before lighting. Essential oils are not the same as manufactured perfume scents because the oil is distilled from the actual plants leaves and stems as opposed to being chemical or man made.

Some suggested scents to alleviate different ailments and moods:

Lavender and Bergamot are good for anxiety. I find Lavender especially soothing and it is a pleasant smell most men enjoy. According to Fox News, every smell boosts men’s sexual arousal, but Lavender and the smell of pumpkin pie knocks it up 40% more. Lavender and Jasmine are recommended scents for depression.

Chamomile tea has been known to sooth shattered nerves and this essential oil’s smell is also comforting for irritability.
Ylang Ylang is one of my favorites and is supposed to be both relaxing and stimulating because it is touted to be both an aphrodisiac and an antidepressant. Bergamot is also used to lift spirits.

Peppermint and Citronella help invigorate you which makes sense because they are both refreshing.

For some essential oil recipe combinations see Ananda Apothecary’s site. They are for air fresheners, but if you reduce the amounts to a couple drops each they would also work for candles. I especially like their recipe called “essential sunshine”, a combination of lime, orange, grapefruit and patchouli. Candles by Montserrat offers many different essential oils for sale along with candle making lessons.

There’s an ancient soothing appeal to candles, but when you add an aromatherapy scent to them it can add to the ambiance by influencing your mood further.

If anyone has an essential oil recipe combo for pumpkin pie spice, let me know!

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Matariki is such a beautiful time of year here in New Zealand. As a mum of two (plus our chaotic dog Aloo), I’ve really come to love how this season invites us to pause, reflect, and reconnect—both with nature and with each other. The M?ori New Year isn’t just about looking to the stars; it’s about grounding ourselves in gratitude, remembrance, and community.

Over the years, I’ve tried out a few simple Matariki-inspired activities with my kids, and they’ve quickly become part of our winter traditions. Whether you’re new to Matariki or looking for ways to make it more meaningful for little ones, here are some fun, hands-on ideas to help kids engage with the celebration in a way that sticks.

What Is Matariki?

Matariki is the name of the M?ori star cluster that appears in the early winter sky. Its rising marks the start of the M?ori New Year—a time to remember those who’ve passed, celebrate the present, and set intentions for the year ahead.

There are nine stars in the Matariki cluster, and each has its own special meaning. Some are linked to food sources (like water and land), while others connect us to wellbeing, weather, and the spiritual world. It’s a time rich in culture, reflection, and family connection.

Matariki Craft & Activity Ideas for Kids

1. DIY Star Garland

This is such a calming activity for a rainy afternoon. Cut out nine stars from cardboard (cereal boxes work great), then let the kids decorate them with paints, markers, glitter—whatever you’ve got on hand. Each star can represent one of the Matariki stars.

Once decorated, string them together and hang them across a wall or window. It’s a beautiful way to bring the meaning of each star into your home.

2. Make a Matariki Wishing Tree

This one’s always a favourite. Collect a bare branch from the garden and place it in a heavy jar or vase. Cut out paper stars or leaves and let the kids write down their wishes or hopes for the year ahead. Tie the messages onto the branch with twine or ribbon.

It’s simple, personal, and brings so much heart into the space.

3. Prepare a Shared Meal (Kai)

Food is central to Matariki. It’s the perfect time to make a meal together—something seasonal and comforting. Whether it’s rewena (M?ori sourdough), vegetable soup, or even a shared breakfast, the idea is to come together and be thankful for what we have.

Talk about the food’s journey—where it came from, how it grows—and how it nourishes us. These are such great little moments for connection and learning.

4. Star Gazing & Story Time

Bundle up, grab a thermos, and head outside to spot the Matariki stars in the early morning or evening sky. Even if the weather doesn’t cooperate, reading M?ori legends and stories about the stars indoors is just as magical.

Some of our favourite picture books:

They’re gentle, thoughtful, and perfect for all ages.

5. Painted Kindness Rocks

Have your kids ever painted kindness rocks? Matariki is a lovely time to do this. Use paint pens or acrylics to decorate rocks with stars, spirals, or symbols of light and growth. You can write uplifting words or messages on the back.

Then go on a walk and hide them in your neighbourhood—or gift them to friends or teachers.

6. Memory or Gratitude Cards

Cut out simple card shapes and invite kids to write or draw something they’re thankful for or a memory of someone they miss. These can be added to your wishing tree or kept in a memory box that you revisit each Matariki.

This is a gentle way to talk about loss, love, and the people who’ve shaped us.

Matariki is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a chance to pause and reconnect. These little moments we create with our children through craft, food, stories, and stargazing build memories that will stay with them for life.

If you give any of these ideas a go, I’d love to see what you and your wh?nau create. Tag us or send through your creations—we might even share them on CraftGossip.com!

From our family to yours, wishing you a season of warmth, wonder, and a sky full of stars.