Use this tutorial on how to make an Advent Wreath Craft for Kids in under 30 minutes. It is perfect for celebrating the Advent season with little ones.
An Advent wreath is a perfect way to celebrate the weeks leading up to Christmas. You can make this wreath with your kids and since it uses battery-operated votives for the Advent candles, it is a safe way to “light” Advent candles for kids.
How do you use an Advent Wreath?
When you use an Advent wreath, you light one candle per Sunday on the four Sundays preceding Christmas. The first Sunday of Advent this year is on November 29th. You start by lighting one candle on the first Sunday and then an additional candle is lit on each subsequent Sunday until, by the last Sunday of Advent, all four candles are lit:
- The first Sunday of Advent, you light a purple candle.
- On the second Sunday, you light two purple candles.
- The third Sunday, you will light 2 purple candles and the pink candle.
- And on the fourth Sunday, you light 2 purple candles, the pink candle, and then you finish off by lighting the final purple candle.
Many families light the candle(s) before dinner and leave it lit until after dinner. You can light the candles throughout the week. Just be sure to light the same candles Monday through Saturday that you lit on the preceding Sunday.
What is the meaning of the Advent Wreath?
Different Christian denominations give the Advent Wreath and the candles slightly different meanings. Check with your pastor or priest for the meanings your church gives to each of the candles.
The evergreen branches remind us of God’s unchanging love for us and the circle represents the eternity of God.
The candles on the Advent wreath symbolize hope, love, joy, and peace.
While the first purple candle symbolizes hope it is often called the Prophecy Candle in remembrance of the prophet Isaiah who foretold Christ’s coming. If you want to read scripture to accompany the candle lighting, you can read any of these selections: Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:2, or for a longer reading you can read chapters 6 and 7 in Isaiah.
The second purple candle symbolizes love and is called the Bethlehem Candle and represents the manger. Supplemental scripture readings: Luke 2:12, Micah 5:2, Matthew 2:4-6. Some denominations view the second candle of Advent as a symbol of Preparation and will use the second week of Advent to prepare their hearts for Jesus. Alternate Scripture reading: Isaiah 40:3-5
The pink candle symbolizes joy and represents the joy that comes through Jesus’ arrival. It is referred to as the Shepherd’s Candle to reflect the joy the shepherds experienced when they received the good news about Christ’s birth. Supplemental scripture readings: Luke 2:8–11, Isaiah 40:11
The last purple candle represents peace and is called the Angel’s Candle reminding us that the angels announced that Jesus came to bring peace. Supplemental scripture reading: Luke 2:13–14, Luke 1:30-33
DIY Advent Wreath Craft for Kids
It is easy to your own child-friendly Advent wreath. Your child can do most of the work, but an adult should use the hot glue gun. This is also a frugal Christmas craft. You can make one using Dollar Tree supplies.
Materials Needed:
- Mini door wreath
- 4 battery operated votive candles
- Pink and purple ribbon
- Scissors
- Hot glue, glue gun
As I mentioned, I could find all of the above items at Dollar Tree with the exception of the ribbon. While you can find pink and purple ribbon at Dollar Tree, I had some on hand from Michael’s Craft store. This had a bit of a shimmer to it which I liked.
Directions:
- Begin by removing any excess decor from the wreath. I left the ribbon on but took off any extra swag. You can do the same or leave as you wish.
- Cut a length of ribbon to wrap around each votive. Cut to fit and secure to the candle with glue.
- Continue wrapping the votives in ribbon, creating 3 purple candles and 1 pink candle.
- You can now start applying the candles to the wreath. Place a dime-sized amount of glue under the candles BUT NOT OVER THE ON/OFF SWITCH. You need to be able to access this. Just apply glue to the opposite end. Then, press them to the wreath. Hold in place firmly until they have attached well.
You can now use your Advent wreath for kids! Just slip your finger underneath to flip the switch on the candles on the appropriate Sunday. Your Advent wreath can be displayed on your dining room table, or anywhere you wish to celebrate the Advent season with your family.
Get into the spirit of Advent with this easy Advent Wreath Craft for Kids!
More Christmas Crafts for Kids:
How to Make Christmas Tree Paint Stamps
Festive Family Craft: DIY Christmas Family Footprint Tree
cathy says
advent candles are expense, and with little ones you know fire. and with c-19 diys are a good to get them it some they can remeber alltheir lives.
cathymcarty mcarty says
flameles candles champion!
Alana Kocsis says
Awesome ideas to enjoy with the family. Thank you for sharing. May Our Lord bless you always.