This is a German tradition that has become popular all over the world – an advent wreath is so much more attractive than any wreath you can buy and it has a wonderful fresh pine/cedar smell! The word “Advent” comes from the Latin “adventus”, which means “arrival” and various traditions attach a variety of meanings to the Advent Wreath.

Generally speaking, the circle of the evergreens is symbolic of Christ’s never-ending love and forgiveness, while the four red candles, lit successively on each of the 4 Sundays of Advent (the four weeks before Christmas), represent hope or expectation, peace, love and joy.

In some traditions there is a fifth candle, always white, placed in the middle of the Advent Wreath and this candle, that represents Christ, is lit only on Christmas Day. (This not traditional at all, but we usually place Angel Chimes in the middle of the wreath!)

Particularly if you have small children, it is a wonderful idea to teach them the Christmas carols on every Sunday of Advent, when lighting the Advent candles (one candle on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, two on the third Sunday before Christmas, and so on.) This is not only a lovely activity for a family to do together, but it creates a wonderful atmosphere of anticipation, and by Christmas Day everyone will enjoy singing the Christmas carols!

An Advent wreath is really simple to make. All you need is a length of thin red ribbon (about half an inch wide), a length of copper wire that can be easily bent and unbent, a number of flexible pine twigs approximately 12 – 18 inches in length, four red candles and 4 candle holders which can clip onto the twigs in the wreath. These candle holders, specially for Christmas trees, can be bought at any German shop stocking Christmas items. (The wire, ribbon and candle holders can, of course, be re-used very year!)

While the advent wreath will keep for the whole of December, pine needles will start shedding, so it is best to make a wreath that will fit on a round silver or glass platter or tray. In addition to catching all the pine needles, both silver and glass will the reflect the light of the candles, making the wreath look even more festive.

Anchor the copper wire to the twig with which you start. Twirl the copper around the twig, and, as you add twigs, secure them to one another by means of the copper wire; i.e. half way up the first twig, add the next twig. Use only flexible twigs, otherwise it is not possible to obtain a nice, round shape. Once you have constructed your round pine wreath, wrap the red ribbon around it.

Where you start twirling the ribbon around the wreath, leave approximately 6 inches of ribbon dangling (to tie into a bow later). Make sure the ribbon follows the turns of the copper wire, covering it. When you have gone all the way around the wreath with the ribbon (hiding the copper wire and adding additional strength to your construction) and reach the point where you started, tie the two ends of the ribbon into a bow.

Put red Christmas candles in the candle holders and clip to the wreath, evenly spaced.

You can, of course, also make an Advent Wreath without candles to secure to your door or gate, enhancing the festive mood of the entire neighborhood!