We've always had an Advent wreath. Each Sunday, starting today, we light a candle. On the Sunday before Christmas, all of the candles are lit. On Christmas Eve we add another candle in the center and light it.
We have only one rule for lighting the wreath, and that's that all four of us have to be home when the candle is lit. It's nicest to light it at dinner, when it's dark outside and the candlelight is welcome. Some weeks we light the candle at lunch, and a couple of times we've lit it at breakfast, because that was the only time that worked with everybody's schedule. Tonight we're all home for dinner, and that's a good start. No matter how much decorating or shopping or baking I do, it's lighting the Advent candle - especially the first one - that makes me feel like Christmas really is coming.
What a nice tradition!!
Posted by: Jenny | November 30, 2008 at 07:29 PM
I love tradition! It's what we hold on to in our hearts! I like that it really puts you in the moood for Christmas.
Posted by: Robin~Thrifty Miss Priss | November 30, 2008 at 08:38 PM
a very nice tradition.
Posted by: Elizabeth | November 30, 2008 at 09:07 PM
This is a great tradition, our church lights the advent candles every sunday and on Christmas Eve, but for some reason I never thought to have my own! Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Kim G. | December 01, 2008 at 12:13 AM