The Advent wreath symbolizes our hope in Jesus.  Its circle shape and evergreens remind us of the everlasting life Christ gave us and of new spiritual growth.  The candles represent the four weeks of Advent and remind us of the years when the Jewish people longed for the Messiah to come.  The flames remind us of Jesus who brings light to  our darkness, and our call to take His light to others.  The light grows week by week as we welcome Jesus more and more into our lives. 

There is a beautiful symbolism in the Christmas tree.  The tree represents the long period of waiting for the coming of the Christ, who is represented by a star at the top of the tree.  The ornaments and lights represent Jesus' gifts and graces to us.  This meaning of the Christmas tree should be made clear to all the children of the family — they will love the element of mystery they find here.

In Germany and in many other countries, candy, cookies and nuts are hung on the branches. The children love this. These articles represent good things which can be eaten as well as looked at.

Children love to pray when they realize they are saying the same prayers as Catholics all over the world.  At Christmas it is easy to introduce such prayers as a family custom.  

Families can pray these prayers at the crib during Christmas.  As we gaze on Jesus stretching out his little arms to us, we have no difficulty understanding that God is love.