Advent Wreath Placemat

crayola supplies

Metallic Colored Pencils
Glue Sticks
Blunt-Tip Scissors
Construction Paper

household supplies

clear plastic adhesive (such as Con-Tact® paper) (optional)

Why

The season of Advent is a time to prepare for Christmas. Kids can use this placemat as they count down the days!

Steps

1. The month of December is busy with preparations for Christmas. Christians call this time Advent (from the Latin meaning to come). It begins four Sundays before Christmas Eve.
2. Many families make an Advent Wreath out of evergreen boughs and other things collected from nature as a centerpiece for their table. The wreath holds four candles. On each Sunday in Advent another candle is lit. There are many symbols connected with the wreath,
3. including the green branches (new life), a circle (eternal life), and lit candles (return of light during a dark time).
4. With Crayola® Scissors cut an Advent wreath from green construction paper. Glue it on placemat-sized construction paper with a Crayola Glue Stick. Trim corners of the placemat.
5. Draw in details such as holly berries, moss, and pine needles with Crayola Metallic Colored Pencils. Draw four candles rising out of the wreath.
6. If you wish, have an adult laminate placemats with clear plastic adhesive so they can be wiped with a damp cloth.

When & Where

"These placemats added a colorful, personal touch to our table all through Advent."
- Wayne G., dad of 6-, 10-, and 11-year olds.

"We turn to nature to celebrate winter and the promise of spring. All parents were comfortable with these wreaths."
- Jae-Sun C., family child care provider.

Interesting Info

About 1650 years ago, a pope chose the date of December 25 for the day of Christ's Mass. This date was picked because it fell on a day when non-Christian celebrations were observed (the birthday of the unconquered sun and the feast day of the god of agriculture). This way, Christians could appear to go along with local customs without attracting a lot of attention.

Safety Guidelines

Adult Assistance is required for this arts & crafts project.

Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.