Every family has its own Christmas traditions, which become a wonderful way to reminisce and think of family and friends at this special time of year. For Ingeborg, that includes an Advent wreath, which originated with German Lutherans way back in the 16th century. Historically, there were 24 small red candles, and four large white candles in a ring shape. The small candles would be lit on successive days during the week to count down to Christmas, and the larger candles lit on each Sunday during Advent. Today, it is more common to see the larger white candles only, with festive decorations such as ribbons and foliage.

Recognising the importance of preserving this meaningful practice, our Activity Coordinator, Bea, recreated a traditional advent display, adorned with candles and festive decorations, for Ingeborg to have in her bedroom, allowing her to continue her lovely tradition of counting down the Sundays to Christmas.

Today, lots of households have a variation on the Advent wreath. Some choose a crown, often inspired by the famous ‘make at home’ on Blue Peter in the 1960s, others have hanging decorations, often now using baubles or battery operated candles to reduce the risk of fire.

We love the idea of having festive traditions like this one that can remind you of all the good times, wherever you are in the world, and bring that consistency with it. Ingeborg can admire her beautiful wreath knowing that her family and friends have similar candles lit on their wreaths around the country and further afield.