Last night by error, we lit only 5 candles for the sixth night of Chanukah. By the time we realized it, the Shamash was too small to pick up and light another candle. What would have been the proper way to handle our goof up?

If you've noticed within the first half-hour, you could have added another candle (optional), and lit it without using the Shamash. If it was after half an hour, there is no need to add a candle, and you may continue on the next night lighting 7 candles like everyone. Rabbi S.Y. Weitzen