Advent Wreath Ideas & Free December Bulletins
Advent Wreath Ideas
Are you ready for Advent? The Advent Wreath is one of the simplest ways to remember the season while you’re busy preparing for Christmas. I change my Advent Wreath every year (often because I can’t find the previous year’s wreath buried in Christmas decorations). Here’s a list of Advent Wreath ideas!
Simple Advent Wreath Ideas
- Printable: This is SO EASY. Print it and hang it near your table as a reminder of Advent. Each Sunday, one kiddo can color the next flame. (Who am I kidding… print one for each kid so everyone gets to color a flame instead of fighting every Sunday.) I also print these for my students and encourage them to use them at home.”
- Amazon Wreath and Candles: Real or Fake: This traditional wreath is simple and a beautiful Advent reminder on your table. Pillar candles are the way to go! I’ve tried wreaths with taper candles and they always end up crooked. I didn’t think that would bother me, but it drove me crazy!
3. Advent Wreath Wall Hanging: I’m so excited about these Wall Hangings! Printing a poster-sized Advent Wreath is expensive, and it would get destroyed each year. Then, I realized I could print on fabric and use it year after year! There are two styles available; this one feels more educational, and this one feels more prayerful (and is available in a small or large size). Let me know what you think!
4. Advent Wreath Tray: These trays are my current favorite. The tray sits on the table with candles and can also hold Christmas cards that we receive throughout the season. When I feel ambitious, I gather some pine branches from the tree outside and add extra greenery to the tray. I use pillar candles from the dollar store, but these votive candles would be perfect! There are a few designs to choose from with prayers/lyrics as a reflection: Lyrics of “Lo’ How a Rose E’re Blooming” and Saint Andrew’s Novena.
The Story of Advent Wreaths 🕯️🌲
Ever wondered about the significance of those Advent wreaths that appear each December? Let’s explore the history and meaning behind these essential December accessories.
The Advent Wreath Journey: Originating in 19th-Century Germany Picture this: Germany, 19th century – the birthplace of the Advent wreath. Originally featuring 24 candles for a daily countdown in December, it served as a unique Advent calendar before it became popular.
Evolution Alert: From 24 to Four Candles! In a later evolution, the wreath was simplified to four candles – one for each week of Advent. Meet the key players: Hope/Prophecy, Peace/Bethlehem, Joy/Shepherds (in a distinct rose shade), and Love/Angels. It’s a sequential representation, like a weekly theme for each candle.
Candle Significance: Shedding Light on Advent Each candle carries its own meaning:
- Hope/Prophecy (Week One): Commencing the Advent journey with a candle symbolizing hope for the Messiah’s arrival.
- Peace/Bethlehem (Week Two): The second candle signifies peace – a reflection of the tranquility Christ brings to our world.
- Joy/Shepherds (Week Three): Week three introduces the joy candle, often in a rose shade. It marks the growing excitement for Christ’s imminent arrival.
- Love/Angels (Week Four): The final purple candle represents love, concluding the Advent journey with a focus on affection.
Symbolism of the Circle of Life: Wreaths and Enduring Love The circular shape of the wreath signifies eternity and God’s everlasting love. The evergreen branches represent life, even in winter – mirroring the eternal life offered through Christ.
Year B (2024): Catholic Kids Bulletins in English & Spanish
Do you want ONE file with a whole year of Catholic Kids Bulletins? It’s ready! As always, the monthly bulletins will remain free, but the yearly version is way more convenient.
In one easy download, you’ll get…
- A full year of bulletins
- Over 50 Catholic saints including Saint Anthony, Saint Kateri, and Saint Martin de Porres
- The entire liturgical year including Ordinary time, Lent, and Advent
- Holy Days of Obligation
- Holy Week
The Catholic Kids Bulletin worksheets (in English & Spanish) match up to the weekly Mass readings in the Catholic Church. There are also coloring pages that match the weekly Gospel reading. There are activities throughout the month, along with Psalm copywork and a wordsearch.
December Catholic Kids Bulletin
The FREE Printable Catholic Kids Bulletin worksheets match up to the weekly Mass readings in the Catholic Church. There are coloring pages that match the weekly Gospel reading. There are Mass activities throughout the month, as well as Psalm copy work and a word search. In addition, the order of the liturgy of the Mass along the top of each bulletin also helps kids follow along during Mass. Next, they can learn the order and structure of the Mass. Finally, a coloring page about a Catholic Saint teaches about Catholic History and saints.
Have you used Catholic Kids Bulletins before? If you have questions, check here…
Year B (2024): Catholic Kids Bulletins in English & Spanish: A Full Year of Mass Activities!
December Catholic Kids Bulletin
Deciembre BoletĂn para Niños CatĂłlicos
December Bulletins include…
- Advent
- Advent Wreath
- Immaculate Conception
- Saint Nicholas
- Saint Juan Diego
- Saint Francis Xavier
- Saint Lucy
- Christmas
- Feast of the Holy Family
These FREE Catholic Mass Bulletin Printables are offered each month in order to help young Catholics learn at Mass. For example, you are welcome to print and share with others. If you can afford it, click Support CKB on the left and then donate to help pay for the time and effort put into these pages. Thanks!
