Wreaths on our doors are a symbol of welcome. In our home we usually have welcome wreaths on our front door, changing them out according to the season.
But during Advent wreaths take on a whole new meaning. The circle of the wreath signifies eternal life, and the candles of an Advent wreath represent the Light of Christ.
The practice of making holiday wreaths began not long after the advent of Christmas trees in the 16th century. As evergreen trees in northern and eastern Europe were trimmed to fit in homes, the culture of not wasting anything turned excess greenery into circle ornaments, then wreaths. Evergreen trees that thrived through harsh winter symbolized hope, thus placing a circle wreath in a home represented hope in the eternal love of Christ.
The Governor’s Palace festively wreathed in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia (the state!)
I don’t know when wreaths began symbolizing welcome all year around, but in our town of Williamsburg putting up wreaths has been a sign of welcome for years on end.
Chowning’s Tavern Holiday Wreath, Williamsburg
Holiday wreaths can be a daily reminder: are we putting wreaths on the doors of our hearts for Christ to always be welcome? Are we putting welcome wreaths out for others (especially those different from us) to be at home in our hearts?
grace, peace & holiday wreaths
Virginia : )
“Oh! Like a wreath let Christmas mirth today encircle all the earth, and bind the nations with the love that Jesus brought from heaven above.” Maud Lindsay (1874–1941)
Roses in the Rubble 
The last wreath…is it yours? Super pretty and well made. 😃
I wish that one was ours, but no, that’s one of the blue-ribbon winners in Colonial Williamsburg. Every year all the buildings in Colonial Willsb compete in a wreath contest. This year they went all out! It’s one of our holiday traditions to take a long walk in CW to look at the wreaths. Fortunately that’s one tradition we can still do this year (wearing our masks!) Hugs! 🌟🎄🌟🌳🌟😷🌟
A lovely tradition indeed!! Thanks for sharing🤗🤗
We change our door wreaths out with the seasons, too — nice to know others do that, Virginia!
LoL, we’ve had so many birdies at our door, this year I had to drag out one of our oldest Christmas wreaths that’s plastic. The grand one with lots of perky greenery will have to wait this year out! ✨🎄✨🌳✨
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
A very Merry Christmas and HaPpY New Year to you, too!! 🎊🎄🤗🎄🎊
Thank you very much dear Virgina.✨✨🌷🌼