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How to Make an Advent Wreath

By Scott P. Richert, About.com

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What Is an Advent Wreath?

An Advent wreath with a central Christmas candle on a home altar. (Photo © Scott P. Richert)

An Advent wreath with a central Christmas candle on a home altar.

(Photo © Scott P. Richert)
For many Catholic families, the centerpiece of their Advent celebration is the Advent wreath. It is a very simple item, consisting of four candles, surrounded by evergreen branches. The light of the candles signifies the light of Christ, Who will come into the world at Christmas. (For more information on the history of the Advent wreath, see Preparing for Christmas With the Advent Wreath.)

Children, in particular, find delight in the ceremony of the Advent wreath, and it's a great way to remind them that, despite the Christmas specials on TV and the Christmas music in stores, we're still waiting for the Birth of Christ.

If you've never adopted this practice, what are you waiting for? Click on Next to get started!

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