Last Saturday I already introduced you to my new advent wreath. So, after it’s been set up and in use for a week now, I thought I’d tell you what happened whenever people saw it. Usually there are several responses, and in the last week I could see them repeated over and over each time I had visitors (and usually I have students and friends visit me every single day).

#1 Response:
Big “Ahs” and “Ohs” upon entering my living room and seeing the advent wreath (and all the other Christmas decorations).

#2 Response:
Sitting down/walking around it and admiring it from all different angles.

#3 Response:
Asking questions about it and its purpose/meaning.

#4 Response:
Taking it apart – lifting up the candles to be able to admire them better; closely examining each single piece of decoration (pine cones, bows, boxes, twigs, etc. – looks like most of them have never even seen a pine cone!).

Can you tell an advent wreath is quite a curious thing around here? No one has ever heard of it, let alone seen one. So, after a couple days I had compassion with my poor little advent wreath, and decided to take some measures. Note the little sign: “Don’t touch.” Not quite part of the usual decoration for an advent wreath, but rather useful here! Now at least no one attempts to take it apart anymore – big sigh of relief!