Advent was our favorite season when we homeschooled our children. We did holiday math, Catholic Advent writing, Bible reading, Christmas around the world social studies, winter science. Everything about Christmas is a teachable moment. Here are Christmas cookie recipes with Catholic Advent object lessons. Our family is nearing three decades making these holiday treats and our married daughter carries on the traditions with her family. Here's our wreath cookie recipes. Wreath Cookies: The hanging of an evergreen wreath is an ancient tradition, used in many cultures
to symbolize eternity. The wreath was hung to ward off evil and death. That is why we often see
wreaths at funerals, also. The early Christians incorporated pagan Solstice and Saturnalia evergreens
into their celebration of Christmas. Catholics use the holly thorns to represent the thorns that crowned
our Lord Jesus. The red berries call to mind His shed blood. The circle represents God's endless
love. When we make wreath cookies or see a wreath, we remember and give thanks for Love.
To make wreath cookies, you need:
one stick butter or margarine
two 10 ounce bags marshmallows
1 teaspoon vanilla
green food coloring
1 18-ounce box Corn Flakes
mini red M&Ms, cinnamon red hots or decorator frosting
chocolate chips
Melt butter and marshmallows, stirring constantly. Blend in vanilla and food coloring to achieve
desired shade of green. Allow to cool slightly. Turn into a large bowl and blend with Corn Flakes until
thoroughly coated. While cereal mixture is still warm, form into rings about two inches in diameter.
Add mini M&Ms for berries; press into cereal. Optional: decorate with frosting "berries." Use chocolate
chips for thorns.
