My Advent Wreath: Tess from Book Smart in DC

I have the pleasure of sharing the Advent wreath of Tess from Book Smart in DC with you today. Tess and I were acquaintances at ND (she was in the same major as my best friend plus her family is family friend's with Chris' best friend's family...basically we should have been friends in school!), and I have so enjoyed getting to know her better through blogging. My favorite part about her Advent tradition is that she is creating new traditions with her fiancé this year. Read on to here how...

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"Frank (my fiance) and I started planning for Advent a little ways ahead of time. I bought a metal base and Advent candles at the National Basilica in DC back in October, and Frank purchased the Magnificat Advent Companion for us in mid-November. This is his first Christmas as a Catholic (he entered the Church this past Easter) and he has been really looking forward to celebrating Advent for the first time. I have been just as excited to celebrate with him and introduce him to some of our rituals and traditions. I love looking at all of it through his eyes -- it has been a gift this past year to encounter my faith anew through sharing it with him.

Not being terribly crafty, I opted to forego a handmade wreath this year and instead hit up the local Michaels for this beauty (60% off, woohoo!). Frank set it up and we prayed the Blessing of the Advent Wreath together before lighting it. The last step in our Advent preparations was setting up our Nativity scene, a gift from my parents. We're planning to put up our Christmas tree later this week (probably as a study break for Frank, who is studying for law school finals this week)." 

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It really is a gift that Tess is able to see her faith from a different perspective by sharing it with Frank. How beautiful. If you would like to read more about Tess' Advent wreath and her first First Sunday of Advent with Frank here. Thank you, Tess! 

Please send in your advent wreaths! For Advent, I will be featuring Advent wreaths from my readers on the blog. If you would like to submit yours, please send a photo (or photos!) and a little bit about your family's Advent traditions to cedarsandtinyflowers {at} gmail.com. I hope to post one every day through Advent in addition to my regular posts. Can't wait to read about your wreaths!