Our Advent Wreath

Every year, around the 15th of November when Advent starts in the Orthodox church, I amble out to the yard to gather greens and berries and dried flowers. These offerings from our little space of outside are heartily appreciated.

Some years I have made wreaths from the leaves on our bay tree.

Other years I have used a wire circle and have threaded acacia leaves from my parents' tree round and round it.

One year, maybe next year, I will make a wreath from pine needles. Because WE. HAVE. THE. BIGGGEST. PINE. TREE. IN. ALL. OF. SANTA. BARBARA! And that amazing, awesome pine tree comes with needles. So many needles.

This year we decided to make Advent wreaths with our Sunday school classes--purchasing grapevine bases, red burlap ribbon, votives and candles, and I brought in hundreds of succulent trimmings to help the decorating. Once home, out into the garden I went to add rosemary, pyrancantha, and a few more succulents...

Since we won't be home for the holidays, this wreath, and the one on our front door, is the extent of the decorating. We will be taking our Christmas cheer to France, and maybe we'll make a wreath there--from heather and other greenery that the mountain might offer? Who knows. It will be an adventure...

Sending you all lots of love and good cheer as we march through December. May you and your family and your friends enjoy a season filled with joy and reflection, peace and goodwill!

Published: December 4, 2014 | Filed under: Home

Comments (3)

Elizabeth said:

December 6, 2014 @ 5:27 PM

how lovely is that wreath! I hope this Christmas will be very special for your family!

leah said:

December 13, 2014 @ 7:38 AM

I was so delighted to find a photo of your advent wreath, one of the prettiest ones I've seen, in my inbox. And what a lovely project to do with the church school. As for the excess pine needles, I couldn't help but think of you weaving baskets out of them; you know in your spare time. But in all seriousness, that might make for a fun project. Wishing you and yours a beautiful and blessed Nativity season.

jane g meyer replied:

December 15, 2014 @ 9:07 AM

Leah, so glad you like the Advent wreath... Funny that you mention working with pine needles. Last month at the library I spotted a book on weaving with pine needles. I brought it home but haven't found the time yet to experiment. If it's something that I enjoy, my oh my, I have an endless supply of materials! Thanks for the good wishes. May you have a lovely celebration with your family!