Hello friends! Can you believe that THIS Sunday is December first! That means it’s the first Sunday of Advent and I have some ideas for you today about how to incorporate advent candles into your Christmas decor without using the traditional advent wreath.
One of my favorite things to do during this season is to celebrate Advent as a family! And, I’m sorry, but it must be said. The celebration of Advent is VERY different from just simply doing a ‘countdown to Christmas’. It’s not about having little drawers filled with candy or doors to open with prizes inside. Those things are so much fun and definitely help to build anticipation as you head closer and closer to the big day. But Advent, from the latin word ‘adventus’ meaning ‘arrival’ or ‘appearance’ keeps the focus completely on celebrating the arrival of the King who came in the form of an infant.
Growing up, we always had an Advent wreath which held four candles around the outside with one candle in the middle. The four candles represent the themes of hope, faith, joy and peace with the fifth candle representing Christ. My sister and I would always fight over who got to light the candles AND who got to blow them out. Obviously we weren’t always feeling the true spirit of Christmas in our hearts!
And now, as a mom of two kids who also fight over the lighting and blowing out of the candles, I still love this tradition and have tried to come up with ways to put a fresh twist on it by incorporating the Advent candles into my Christmas decor in a way that feels seamless but still very special.
I’ve done things like this on my dining room table…
…and this on my coffee table…
…and this on a side table (aren’t those tags so cute?!)…
…and I did this on our kitchen table one year.
I also love this more modern take on it with the black candles from Craftivity Designs
One year, I even wrapped candles with scripture so that each one told a different part of the story of Christ’s birth.
Do you celebrate Advent at your house? How have you incorporated the candles into your decor?
I’d love to hear your ideas!
And, I wanted to let you know about this wonderful book that I discovered! It’s called ‘Remarkable Advent’ by my friend Shauna Letellier and I’ve just added it to my Amazon shopping cart because I know that I need something like this to help keep me focused on the WHO and not on all of the trappings of the season.
If you want to sample it, Shauna is offering the first four days FREE just by signing up! Find out how to get those free chapters and/or purchase this wonderful book here.
My prayer for all of you as you head into this busy season is that you will have moments to just slow down, pause and be overwhelmed with peace and joy. Let’s hold each other accountable to that, ok? 😉
Much love to you dear friends,
Thanks Vanessa….trying to do just that!
Thank you! I will definitely do this. I wish I could get some chubby candles like yours. I have three pairs of alter candles that requires chubby candles so a source for those would be welcome. 😊
Happy Thanksgiving, and Merry Christmas!
I meant alter candle sticks!
Hi Shelly! I can usually find the fatter candles at Hobby Lobby and sometimes at other craft stores too. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Good advice, Vanessa. We need it now more than ever before. Times are evil – we need to stay focused on God at all times and in all things.
I really like Advent candles – we have them at church with pink and purple – which was always an odd color choice amongst all the red, green, gold and white – but it is the religious colors of the Advent there.
I have never done one. My hubs grew up with one, his mom still does one. Maybe I will do one starting this year!! thanks for the inspiration!!
Shaunna’s book – going to check it out. Could be a great present. TY! Hugs!
Let me know if you end up doing the Advent candles Michele! And yes, we need to keep our focus on God more than ever. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving my friend! xoxo
Thank You for these suggestions. Wishing you a blessed Advent season.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Marilyn
Thank you Marilyn!
We love the season of Advent. Ive been so busy with Thanksgiving wedding for our son and the traditional meal I’m just now able to think about it. I need a new wreath and candles. Thanks for sharing yours and others for some inspiration. Fatter candles my be my choice this year. Have a blessed week as you think about His Hope.
How was the wedding Linda?!! What a special weekend it must have been for you and your family! I’m sure you made lots of memories and I hope you get some time to rest and focus on the month ahead. Put your feet up for a bit first though! 😉
Thank you so much for the encouragement and reminder to slow down and remember why we are celebrating. Your ideas for Advent are beautiful. I needed to refocus my thoughts and I truly appreciate you and the time you spent sharing your heart. Much love to you!
Thank you Cindy! Much love to you too!