Christmas Traditions I grew up with.

As I sit here watching the lighted candle on the Advent Wreath my thoughts wandered to Christmas and the many traditions of a German background. The Advent Wreath was always my favorite. Four Sundays before Christmas the first candle (Hope) is lit to signal the coming of Christ. This year it falls on Nov. 28. Here in our little community hardly anyone knows of this tradition.
A couple of years ago a newly found friend (Roslyn) ordered an Advent Wreath with the colors of the pink and purple candles which is the Catholic tradition. I was used to the red colored candles. Needless to say I was tickled pink to fill that order and to learn more about her family traditions.
My college training instilled in us, as a floral designer, you have to know the traditions of others to help them make the right choices for their holiday needs. Growing up in Canada you are surrounded by multiculturism.
My very talented Niece who owns a flower shop in a Jewish community in Canada knows the importance of knowing when Hanukkah is.  She also introduced me to Grinch trees years ago. Her flower shop is the original Grinch Tree Workshop!
FIRST CLASS FLOWERS LTD. - your local Calgary, AB Florist & Flower Shop (firstclassflowerscalgary.com) 

We make Grinch trees here at Blumenflor out of Shrubs that you can plant after the holidays. I guess we started a new tradition with them.

Other traditions here in Texas would be the Las Posadas of many Hispanic families.

Each family embraces their own traditions over the years.
How nice to share with others and learn more about your community.

Another German tradition is the Advent Calendar which is a countdown to Christmas. Each day starting December 1st. we would open a window/door on the calendar to see what was behind it. It keeps children excited throughout the month.
My sister made a pouch calendar for my children and filled it with little toys. We used it for years. Getting parcels from Canada were always special events for us!


Back to the Advent Wreath...the first candle is HOPE.
​May we never lose HOPE. 
Wishing everyone a Hope-filled Advent!