Advent Wreaths

Advent wreaths

Traditions - Rituals - Prayers

Advent Wreaths from Saint Meinrad Benedictine Abbey

Advent Wreath Rituals - Making Advent Wreaths

History of the Advent Wreath - Fr. William Saunders

Advent Wreath Prayers and Customs - Fr. Victor Hoagland

Cleaning Dripped Wax Removing Evergreen Sap Advent Calendars Pet Safety

Home - Advent - Advent Wreaths - Catholic Christmas Traditions - Luke 2 - Christmas Pageants and Costumes Christmas Nativities

Advent Wreaths as a Family Tradition As children, my sisters and I anticipated the season anxiously. There would come a frosty morning soon after Thanksgiving when I would gather friends and dash out into the field across from our home to cut fresh balsam, fir and cedar boughs, looking for the ones with bright red berries. We'd tie them with twine to birch wood frames and wait with excitement for our mothers to add bayberry scented candles. It was a solemn and joyous night when the first candle was lit.

Not everyone has the time or the resources to make a fresh wreath each year. Although we now have a wire frame that we try to dress with evergreen each year, sometimes the "busyness" of the season gets in the way and by the time I manage to locate it, Advent is well underway.

We place our Advent wreath on our dinner table during the season of Advent and dine by it's light alone. In the winter's darkness, the pale light of the candle reminds us of those who live without the Light of Christ, those who live alone, and others who live in isolation. Week by week the candlelight increases as we anticipate the Birth of the Light of the world. We pray, Come, Lord Jesus!

There are so many beautiful Advent Wreaths and Calendars available to suit your family's taste and decorating style. Each November we began to receive emails from our readers asking where to find Advent Wreaths and candles. You asked us and here it is - our Advent Wreath and Calendar resource page.

Your Purchase Helps The Advent Wreaths we have listed below benefit a 150-year old Benedictine monastic community - Saint Meinrad Archabbey in Indiana.

Hint: Do you know a newly married couple? A recent convert to Catholicism? An Advent Wreath would make a wonderful gift as they begin their lives in their Catholic home.

In this season that is all too rushed, it is a beautiful and peaceful way to slow down and savor the anticipation of the Incarnation of Our Lord.

Perhaps in keeping with the tradition of old monasteries, there might be a reader at the dinner table, so that whether alone or gathered with family, we can be fed by Scripture or the words of the Church Fathers.

Peace Love Hope Joy Advent Wreath

Peace, Love, Hope and Joy--all your wishes for the season! The heavy wire wreath with glass votive cups has an empty center that you can fill with your own greenery (as shown). Five votive candles and ceremony pamphlet included. 12 1/4" x 3".

Advent Wreath Rituals - On the first day of Advent, Catholic families will set up Advent wreath -- a wreath of greenery adorned by a set of four candles -- typically, three violet-colored, and one rose-colored to match the priest's vestments on each of the days the candles are lit. The wreath is either set upon a table (especially the dining room table), on the family altar, on pedestals, an end table, etc., or it can by suspended by ribbons from the ceiling, such as from a light fixture. The candles can be long, slim tapers, small votives, or fat pillars. There can be pinecones and such adorning the greenery, but because Advent is a penitential season, it shouldn't be highly decorated with colorful ornaments. Read More

Celtic Advent Wreath

"The unending knot work motif of this totally unique Advent wreath symbolizes eternity. Made of resin, the advent wreath features brass-colored cups. Felt pads on bottom. Ceremony pamphlet included. 12 3/4"" diameter."

Celtic Advent Wreath -- Stone-look

The unending knotwork motif of this totally unique Advent wreath symbolizes eternity. Made of resin, the advent wreath features brass-colored cups. Felt pads on bottom. Ceremony pamphlet included. 12 3/4" diameter.

Making Advent Wreaths There are many ways to construct an Advent wreath. They can be simple or elaborate, made from fresh material or from artificial greenery. It is important to use something green which symbolizes the new life brought to us by the birth of Jesus, and that it be circular as a reminder of eternity. You can use fresh pine boughs - including branches trimmed from the Christmas tree - or even ivy or holly. We like using rosemary. You might also want to use artificial greenery if fresh is unavailable. Read More

Nativity Star Advent Wreath

This unique advent wreath is sure to become the "star" of your family's holiday celebration! The resin base features a star shape and includes five Holy Family figurines that can be arranged and re-arranged; metal candle cups hold the five included candles. A gift card explains how to use the Advent Wreath. Base, 10 3/8" diam. x 1 1/2" high.

Nativity Advent Candleholder:

Ceramic candle holder is trimmed in gold and features attached nativity figures. Scripture on front and back. Gold-tone candle cups. 6" x 1/2" candles and Advent pamphlet included. 14 1/2" x 5 1/4".

The History of the Advent Wreath by Father William Saunders

The Advent wreath is part of our long-standing Catholic tradition. However, the actual origins are uncertain. There is evidence of pre-Christian Germanic peoples using wreathes with lit candles during the cold and dark December days as a sign of hope in the future warm and extended-sunlight days of Spring. In Scandinavia during Winter, lighted candles were placed around a wheel, and prayers were offered to the god of light to turn “the wheel of the earth” back toward the sun to lengthen the days and restore warmth. Read More

Bethlehem Advent Candleholder:

Unique Advent votive holder is crafted of resin with a look of real sandstone, and depicts a familiar Christmas scene. Includes votive cups and candles in colors to coordinate with the tradition of Advent. Advent pamphlet included. 10 1/4" x 5 3/4" x 3 1/2".

Nail Star Advent Wreath:

The Star of Nails Advent Wreath: This Star of Nails recalls what Christians celebrate together--His birth, His life, His death, and our life in Him forever. For nails secured his "cradle" that starlit Christmas dawn, And nails affixed the beams of the cross He died upon. So may you see this wreath as a sacred symbol of The greatest Light the world has known...and the greatest kind of Love. God's Love and Light to you at this holy season.

Advent Wreath Prayers

and Customs

by Father Victor Hoagland, C.P.

The origins of the Advent wreath are found in the folk practices of the pre-Christian Germanic peoples who, during the cold December darkness of Eastern Europe, gathered wreaths of evergreen and lighted fires as signs of hope in a coming spring and renewed light. (More)

Indoor Outdoor Angel Advent Candleholder:

Looking for a unique way to celebrate the Advent season? This stunning 29" angel holds a black wrought iron candleholder and will look wonderful indoors or out. LED candles (1/2" dia. by 7" tall ) and advent brochure included. Replacement LED candles also available

Advent Nativity Tower:

The "candles" of this unique Advent accessory burn brightly--and safely! Crafted of resin and hand painted, the holiday accent is lighted with five battery-operated LED "candles." Batteries are pre-installed in included candles. Gift boxed. Measures 7" x 12".

Nativity Advent Candleholder

The traditional Nativity scene is molded into this unique candle holder, front and back. Silver-tone metal candle cups hold four included Advent candles. Also includes an Advent ceremony pamphlet. Measures 6 3/4" x 8 1/4".

Wrought Iron Advent Votive Holder

Comes with frosted votive cups and candles in colors to coordinate with the tradition of Advent. Engraved brass band. Ceremony pamphlet included. Holder, approximately 11" diam. and 10" tall. . Band reads: Christ the Savior is born

Wood and Iron Advent Candleholder:

Beautifully stained wood base holds four wrought iron candle holders. Base has laser engraved message. Candles and Advent pamphlet included. 10" x 7" x 3". Base reads: The Light of the World is Jesus

Votive Advent Wreath Holder

Removing Evergreen Sap

Cornell University Labs recommends the following:

1. Dampen a clean cloth with rubbing alcohol, petroleum jelly or vegetable shortening.

2. Rub the spots or blot if the fabric is very delicate.

3. Wipe off with paper towel and wash remaining grease off with soap and water.

4. If all is not removed, use turpentine followed by soap and water.

Obviously use caution, keep alcohol and turpentine away from flames and use in a well ventilated area. More Cornell stain removal tips and precautions here.

Angel Advent Candleholder

Accent is elegantly designed in painted wrought iron and resin. It comes with clear votive cups and four colored votive candles. Advent brochure included.1 5 1/2" x 12".

Celebrate Christ Candleholder

Five candleholders create unique Advent candle display. They are crafted of wood with metal and wood accents. Five pillar candles are included–three purple, one pink and one white. Advent pamphlet included. As displayed, 15" x 6" x 3". Candles measure 2 1/2" x 2" x 2 1/2".

Cleaning Up Dripped Wax

As much as we love candles at Advent and Christmas, drips are inevitable.

Here are our best tips for cleaning up. On hard surfaces, including ceramic and pewter Advent wreaths, use a blow dryer to soften the wax. Wipe up with a paper towel or soft absorbent cloth. Use caution when using on tabletops that have been painted or coated with shellac.

On tablecloths, rugs, runners and clothing, place newspaper or a brown paper bag over the wax and iron it off. Use low heat and be sure to move the paper around to absorb all the wax. Be sure that you don't iron a tablecloth directly on the table which can ruin the finish.

Advent Candle Holder with Booklet

This elegant candle holder isn't just beautiful -- it's a meaningful tool in celebrating Advent! Made of metal with five glass candle cups, the unique decoration holds five included votive candles (three purple, 1 white, 1 pink) for lighting in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Included is a booklet detailing advent wreath blessings and more. 7 1/4" high.

Children of the World Advent Wreath:

Ten nationalities celebrate diversity and uniqueness-and so can you! Representing children from around the world, this unique resin advent wreath features brass-colored cups that can hold the four included candles. Felt pads on bottom. Ceremony pamphlet included. 10 7/8" diam.

Glory to God in the Highest Advent Candleholder:

Contemporary ceramic arched base holds five votive candles. Votives and Advent ceremony pamphlet included. Measures 10 3/8" x 2 1/2" x 3".

"Joy" Advent Wreath:

Silver-tone metal accent features a unique shape and design and displays four included 6" x 1/2" taper candles (three purple, one pink). Advent pamphlet also included. 6 3/4" x 8 1/4".

Journey to Bethlehem Advent Wreath

Advent wreath depicting the events of that first holy night is crafted of resin with a gold wash finish. Brass candle cups hold the included 10" x 3/4" diameter candles. Ceremony pamphlet also included. Protective rubber feet on bottom. Wreath, 10 1/2" diam. x 2 1/2" high

Pet Safety During Advent

Natural Advent Wreaths are a favorite in our Catholic home, but we are always mindful of the pets who have been part of our family. At left is Feeney, a two year old Puggle. who is our "other son." Here are tips from PAWS for pet safety.

Evergreen needles when ingested can puncture holes in intestines. Holly, mistletoe, poinsettias and lilies can be poisonous to cats and dogs. Water to keep evergreens fresh can harbor bacteria which can be harmful to pets. Be certain not to add aspirin which can kill pets. Evergreen needles and resin can cause allergic reactions to sensitive pet skin. Be sure to keep them cleaned up and away from pets. Birds may be tempted by decorative berries, even artificial ones which can create serious digestive problems. Never leave burning candles unattended. Not even for a second. Especially if you have cats. Or dogs with wagging tails. If your pet becomes ill and you suspect that it has eaten something poisonous, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's 24-hour emergency hotline at 1-888-4-ANI-HELPUntil you get your dog to a vet provide supplemental fiber in the form of whole wheat or other high-fiber bread, canned pumpkin or Metamucil, any of which can help bulk up the stools the help the foreign material pass through the dog's digestive system. Dosages depend on the size of the dog. For Metamucil, try a teaspoon for a small dog, a tablespoon for a big dog. For pumpkin, feed one-quarter to two-thirds of a cup.

Season's Reasons Advent Candleholder

This unique accent is crafted of resin, with glittery tea light holders representing the colors of the Advent tradition. Tea lights included. Advent brochure included. 7 1/2" x 7 1/2" x 6".

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