I got my first Advent Wreath decades ago. It was a simple metal wreath with faux greenery and four calendar holders marking the four Sundays before Christmas. Some Advent wreaths have a 5th white candle in the center for Christmas Day. Advent wreaths are an ancient tradition going back as far as Roman times. Today there are various customs according to several liturgical denominations involving the color of the candles and their significance. On the first Sunday, a candle is lit and a prayer or scripture read. Snuff out the candle. Please don’t blow it out or the hot melted wax might spray. The next Sunday light the first and the second. Have a service and extinguish the candles. I like using LED lights without fear of fire. Each week light in order, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, until the last Sunday there are four candles burning. The candles do not have to burn down but can burn for your remembrance and be extinguished. If you want a Christmas Day candle, the four candles and a fifth white candle all are burning on Christmas.
Read MoreTag: Advent
Getting Organized For Christmas
We are now within weeks of Thanksgiving here in the USA. If you are hosting this year, I’m sure you have lists – lots of lists. You’re probably already planning for Christmas too. If you work outside the home, managing a home during the holidays and dealing with modern-day working life are hard to balance. The tool of choice is a Christmas planner: a one-stop location for lists, calendars and menus.
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Advent Candles 2021
This past weekend I was washing my Christmas linens. I put my white long tablecloth on my dining table and used the cranberry poinsettia topper. I want soft colors in the dining room for the holidays.
Getting Ready for Advent
Sunday, November 29th is the first Sunday of Advent. Many people around the world celebrate the 4 weeks before Christmas in preparation for the Lord’s birth. Celebrations can use an Advent calendar, an Advent wreath, and family prayers. If you use a wreath or buy a calendar each year, continue your tradition. If you have never celebrated Advent, it doesn’t have to cost money to start a new family tradition. For more information on celebrating Advent see Simple Ways to Celebrate Advent: Wreaths, Calendars, & Activities .
Advent Candle Display for 2019
Each year I make a vignette of candles and decor for the 4 Sundays leading up to Christmas. Each Sunday I light candles and say a prayer as I prepare for Christmas Day. Today’s display is built around a votive candle holder shaped like a tree that I found at the thrift store last February. I got it for little $ and put it away for November. Read More
Family Advent Activities
Preparing for Christmas
Sunday, November 27th (2022) is the first Sunday of Advent; Advent ends on December 24th. This is my 3rd post about Advent. Many people around the world celebrate this time in preparation for Christmas. Celebrations can use an Advent calendar, an Advent wreath, and family prayers. For the last 2 years, I’ve written about preparing for Christmas. First, I wrote about simply ways to celebrate Advent. For more information see Simple Ways to Celebrate Advent: Wreaths, Calendars, & Activities . Possible scripture readings for each Sunday of Advent are also available.
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DIY Fresh Cranberry & Bay Leaf Garland
Part of the joy of the holiday season is making your own decorations. I like the old-fashioned crafts using natural elements. Today’s Christmas craft is a fresh cranberry and bay leaf garland. This holiday craft is easy and fun. It would be a great children’s craft. Just remember that fresh cranberries will not last 3 weeks hanging on the tree. It’s best to make the garland about 3 days before Christmas or your holiday party as the berries get soft.
Simple DIY Advent Candle Craft
Sunday, December 2nd is the first Sunday of Advent. Many people around the world celebrate this time in preparation for Christmas. Celebrations can use an Advent calendar, an Advent wreath, and family prayers. For more information on celebrating Advent see Simple Ways to Celebrate Advent: Wreaths, Calendars, & Activities .
I have a printable free Advent calendar for download celebrating the 24 days prior to Christmas. If you want to simply celebrate Advent, make a wreath or calendar and add activities that enhance the season. Print and celebrate the days with family activities like gathering donations to charity, buying gifts for a Giving Tree, baking gifts for others, or reading about the story of Jesus in scripture.