Make Your Own Advent Wreath

Happy Advent, everyone!  Some of you might have made Advent Wreaths this past Sunday.  If not, never fear: instructions for how to make them are below.  As Advent goes on, I will post prayers and activities that can be done with or without a wreath.

Option 1: Super Easy

Materials- Red and green construction paper, scissors, pencils, votive candles.

How To

1. Trace your children's hands on the green construction paper.  Cut out enough hands to create a large circle.  The fingers of the hands should face outward. 

2. Tape or glue the green hands together in the shape of a circle. 
3. Use glitter, sequins, pompoms, or circles cut out of red construction paper to decorate your wreath.

4. Get 4 votive candles.  Place them on your wreath.

5. Voila!

Here is a lovely example that I made...

Option 2: More Complex

Materials- Wire wreath frame (from Michael's), length of greenery (faux or real), duct tape, various decorations, 4 candles.

How To

1. Duct tape your four candles to the wreath frame.  Michael's has green duct tape the works well.

2. Once the candles are secured, wrap the greenery around your wreath.

3. Decorate with ribbon, charms, ornaments, etc.

4. Voila!

History & Symbolism of the Advent Wreath

Advent wreaths were originally part of the folk traditions of Northern Europe, where the evergreens and candles represented life and light in the dark winter months.  According to legend, Saint Boniface incorporated Advent Wreaths into the Christian tradition in the 8^th century.  

·        The Circular Wreath:  With no beginning and no end, the wreath symbolizes the eternity of God’s love.

·        The Evergreens:  These symbolize life everlasting, since they stay green all year round.

·        The Candles: Each candle represents a Sunday in Advent.  Light the first candle for the first week of Advent, the second during the second week, and so on.