The custom of bringing evergreens home during winter started in the 16th century among northern and eastern Europeans. During this period, the tree was pruned to make the tree more uniform in shape and also to create a triangular shape to represent the Trinity. Instead of throwing the excess greenery away, Europeans shaped them into wreaths. Basically, creating the wreath was a form of recycling!
Christmas wreaths are also connected with the pagan holiday of Yule, marking the winter solstice, which was celebrated by ancient Germanic and Scandinavian peoples. The 12-day festival, called midwinter, was held to honor the returning of the sun and the seasonal cycle, and the wreaths were meant to symbolize nature and the promise of spring.
I love a good Christmas wreath and no matter your beliefs or style of décor (traditional, modern, minimal) there is an affordable option that will make your holiday a little brighter. One of my favorite ideas is to lay a wreath flat on a table and add some battery operated candles on a timer as a centerpiece. They also look great on the back on counter stools and beautiful hanging in windows.
Check out the beautiful, affordable options below and if you want to add some lights, check out these battery operated fairy lights that are on a timer that you can add easily. If you see something you like, be sure to order quickly as many of these will likely sell out. The pom pom wreath is just recently back in stock!
Which is your favorite? I will be replacing my red berry wreaths with the white pom pom wreaths to mix it up as I transition away from red for a more modern Christmas color pallet of green, white and blue this year.