My mum brought evergreen boughs from her country property to my house to help me decorate it for Christmas. The cedar and balsam boughs smelt lovely. We hung them on the bannisters going down the stairs and intertwined them through the spindles. My mum did most of the work while I was getting my dad’s birthday cake ready a week before Christmas and she did a wonderful job.
I remember when my sister and I were kids, my mum showed us how to make Christmas wreaths using the beautiful boughs of greenery from the trees on the property. We used old wire coat hangers as a basic frame and which we pulled into the round shape of a wreath. Then we wove the greenery around the wire until it was either as bountiful or as a delicate and wispy looking as we chose. I think I remember incorporating pine cones somehow, and then if we wanted we could add a ribbon. We used our imagination and creativity. It was so much fun to me back then and I have very happy memories of making the wreaths and working alongside my sister and my mother.
This is something that I haven’t thought about for some years. I’m determined that next year I will make a wreath for my home for the holiday season. And why stop at the holiday decorating, I will also make a spring or summertime wreath from the grasses and flowers that I find in the fields too. I really enjoy working with natural materials that I can gather myself from outside, and use my creativity and imagination. I feel resolved to do more of this in 2022 as it is so good for my soul. Handmade wreaths also make lovely gifts.
During the evenings, after doing some baking or preparing for Christmas, I’ve been knitting and listening to music. I’m discovering some beautiful classical music on CDs that my grandmother had given to me from my grandfather’s music collection after he had passed away. It was years ago but I haven’t listened to each and every one of them, so I have lately been playing them. I love the Boccherini guitar quintets. When I knit and listen to music I feel like I am on a journey and I enjoy the moment. Knitting is a relaxing and therapeutic act for me, (well most of the time!) and something that puts my mind at rest. When I knit, I focus on the task at hand and don’t think about any problems or any stresses. Currently I’m working on a blanket for my younger niece. I’m knitting it in a lilac coloured wool and a basic garter stitch and then will be doing some additional needlework on top of that in other colours.
Christmas is a week away and I’m planning to make a centrepiece for my table, using a bowl as a base and filling it with a bed of cuttings from my juniper shrub, and then limes and fresh cranberries. I also have a crate of clementines so I may make a second smaller centrepiece for my coffee table. I’ll have to see what works best, and will post a picture in an upcoming blogpost.
I love the quiet and creative, mindful, solitary pursuits like knitting and other crafts. It helps me feel at ease and tranquil and then when I am with my loved ones I am more able to be fully present. As Christmas approaches, I will take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a peaceful and joyous holiday season.