We share our advent spiral tradition with other Waldorf schools. It is a simple, reverent occasion about bringing our light to the darkness. Every year the children enjoy carefully treading their path through a spiral of greenery to light their candle at the centre.
Creating the spiral from evergreen branches and strands of ivy is also an enjoyable activity! And this year we thought it would be good to re-use the greenery to make Christmas wreaths (small advent spirals?) to adorn our doors.
For me, the loveliest thing about making a Christmas wreath is the way it opens my eyes to a new season. At this time of year, when summer’s splendour is a distant memory and even autumn’s glory has faded, we tend to retreat indoors – and it’s easy to miss the more subtle beauty of winter beginning to show itself. But when you’re hunting for your wreath making materials, so much is revealed! Suddenly you really notice the incredible palette of shapes, shades and textures, almost everywhere you look.
So, as well as gathering up the children’s advent spiral, there was what I call a “secateurs walk” – visiting favourite hedgerows, allotments, friends’ gardens and alleyways where gardens spill over onto the path… Taking only a little of what will grow back, using fallen sprigs and collecting cones. Lime-green hazel catkins, an abundance of shiny black ivy berries, spiky teasel heads. Those delicate little white berries on the bay tree in my garden, jewel-like berries and hips feel which like treasure.
I was satisfied that we had enough materials even for ten keen wreath makers, but what abundance there was when everybody contributed offerings from their own gardens and wanders! As well as saved seed heads, dried fruit slices, nuts and spices. Such a selection that everybody made such lovely and individual creations!
It was such a lovely atmosphere. The calm of crafting with the joy of catching up with friends, sharing ideas and materials. Such wonderful smells! Tang of pine, bay, rosemary, cinnamon. As well as the mulled wine and mince pies! Rustles and snips. Our wreaths are lovely but the best thing was the time spent together.
