Burning a candle in the window during Christmastime means much more than just cute holiday decor for the Irish. The tradition dates back to colonial times as a way for Irish families to express their Catholic faith during a time when it was outlawed by British priests. Having a candle in the window meant that Irish catholic priests could secretly visit the home. More recently, it signals that the home is open and welcoming to others, and if the candle goes out before Christmas, it's said to bring bad luck to the family in the New Year. And on a more lighthearted note, some Irish parents use it as a way to signal to Santa Claus that he should visit their home (this is what my husband's parents told him about their own candle).