Advent Wreaths

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 my friends and I dashed 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 or wire frames made from coat hangers and wait impatiently 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 more than one advent wreath frame to dress with fresh evergreen each year, sometimes they go into hiding and I've had to make do with ordinary candlesticks until a reprieve in the "busyness" of the season allows me to get things properly set up before Advent is over! No more. This year I know just where it is.

We place our Advent wreath on our dinner table during the season of Advent and often dine by its 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.

Our grace before meals is simple.

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.

Some of the Advent Wreaths We Feature Benefit The Benedictines You can help support the 150-year old Benedictine monastic community with your purchases. See Saint Meinrad Archabbey in Indiana. .

Other Advent Wreaths are Made in the USA and we hope you will consider supporting the Catholic companies that manufacture here at Home.

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.

Learn More - Buy Now Advent Wreaths to Benefit Saint Meinrad Benedictine Abbey

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"

Nativity Star Advent Wreath This unique advent wreath is sure to become the "star" of your family's 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.

Journey to Bethlehem Advent Wreath depicts the events of that first holy night Crafted of resin with a gold wash finish. Brass candle cups hold the included 10" x 3/4" diameter candles. Includes ceremony pamphlet. Protective rubber feet on bottom. 10 ^1/2" x 2 ^1/2" high

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Celtic Knotwork Advent Wreath 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

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Scriptural Nativity Advent Candle Holder 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"

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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

Bethlehem Advent Candle Holder 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.

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.

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Angel Advent Candle Holder 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".

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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

Nativity Advent Candle Holder 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".

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.

Light of the World Advent Candle Set 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

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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)

Celebrate Christ Advent

Candle Set 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.

Wrought Iron Advent Candle Ring 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" and 10" tall. Band reads: Christ the Savior is born Learn More - Buy Now.

Advent Wreaths Made in the USA

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Four Weeks of Advent Wreath This Advent Wreath measures 7 in. across and comes with four 10 in. Advent candles. Pewter wreath features high-quality detail. Made in the USA

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Brass Tone Advent Wreath Ring This is the type we like best. Add your own evergreens! Comes with Advent candles which measure 10 inches tall and 7/8 inches at the base. The ring is approximately 11 inches across.

Made in the U.S.A.

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Black Tiered Advent Candle Holder

This black metal Advent Tier Holder measures 14" by 10.5" and can be used with pillar candles that are 3, 4 or 4.5 inches wide. Recommended maximum height for the pillars is 12 inches on this tier.

Made in the U.S.A. Learn More - Buy Now

Mini Hope Peace Love Joy Advent Wreath This mini Advent Wreath measures 4 in. across and comes with four 4 in. Advent candles. Pewter wreath text reads, "Hope ... Peace ... Love ... Joy"

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Mini Holy Advent Wreath measures 4 in. across and comes with four 4 in. Advent candles. Pewter wreath features high-quality detail. This is the perfect size Advent wreath for small spaces and it will last for years to come.

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Isaiah Advent Wreath measures 7 inch across and comes with four 10 inch Advent candles. The pewter wreath text reads, "The people who walked in the darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who dwelt in a land of gloom, a light has shown. You have brought them abundant joy & great rejoicing. Isaiah 9:1-2. May the wreath & its Light be a sign of Christ's promise to bring us salvation."

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Holly Advent Wreath is gold plated and has translucent Holly and Berries. It measures 7 1/2" in diameter.

Not Made in China

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Silent Night Advent Wreath This 4" Advent wreath is perfect for small spaces. Comes with candles. Made of highly detailed pewter.

Made in the USA

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O Come O Come Emanuel Advent Wreath

Measures 7 in. across and comes with four 10 in. Advent candles. Pewter wreath features high-quality detail and American manufacturing.

The inscription on the wreath reads: O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel ...

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Antiqued Bronze Celtic Advent Wreath This Advent wreath is richly antiqued, solid cast bronze, and measures 7" diameter. The interior arms form a Celtic Cross with the Christ Candle in the center.

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As I Light This Flame I Lay Myself Before Thee Advent Wreath Crafted of solid bronze, this Celtic Advent wreath is 7" in diameter. The interior arms form a Celtic Cross, and are decorated with knot work adapted from the Book of Kells. The exterior circle contains words from an ancient Celtic prayer set in a bed of green enamel. Learn More - Buy Now

A Light Shines in the Night Advent Wreath

This Advent wreath is solid cast and made from polished bronze. It measures 8 1/2" in diameter and is hand enameled

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Large Advent Wreaths for Church - School - Chapel Use

Wrought Iron Standing Advent Wreath - Perfect for Churches or for chapels or larger homes. This elegant Advent Wreath is beautifully crafted in classic wrought iron with a durable powder coat finish. Candle sockets are 1 1/2in. and the center candle size is adaptable to any size. Available with your choice of black or white powder coat finish. Accents are crafted in brass. Made in the USA. Dimensions: Height: 48in. Base: 14in. Overall Diameter: 24in. Learn More - Buy Now

Solid Brass Advent Wreath - A simple yet truly beautiful Advent wreath, suitable for any parish or school. This wreath is made of solid brass, with an elegant two-tone finish. The inside ring diameter is 21 in. and the outside diameter is 25 in. Features 1 1/2 in. sockets for the four Advent candles, and the center has spikes, making it adaptable to any size candle. Candles not included. Not Made in China Learn More - Buy Now

Traditional Angled Head Standing Advent Wreath with Walnut Base. Decorating with greenery is easy with the large 4 3/4" diameter raised center holder. Traditional floor model style in polished bright over a hammered finish, Superbly made of heavy solid brass, then coated with urethane coating for years of worry-free use. Non-adjustable round 12" base with 1 3/4" diameter poles. 55in. H x 23in. D Weight: 62 lbs. Learn More - Buy Now

Hanging Brass Advent Wreath. Crafted in brass with a lovely two-tone finish. A truly beautiful wreath that would be ideal in any parish or school. Features 1 1/2 in. sockets for candles. Height is 36 in.; width is 25 in., 4ft. of 1 1/2 in. link chain included. Candles not included.

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Advent Wreath Candles

Refill Advent Wreath Taper Candles

12" tall

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12" Advent Pillar Set

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Slim Advent Candle Pillar Set

51% Beeswax

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9" Advent Pillar Set

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Emmanuel Advent Candle Set

Imprinted with Damask Design

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Star of Bethlehem Advent Pillar Candle Set

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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.

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~~ almost four 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.

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