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Bring the Outdoors Inside this Holiday Season
By Donita Brannon
Some of my favorite childhood memories of Christmases past involve the Christmas tree itself. The whole family piling into the car to head out to the tree lot to choose "the perfect tree," the wonderful piney-woods smells, our eternally patient father holding up countless specimens for our approval, the thrill of unwrapping our favorite ornaments from last year's tissue paper, the warm glow of Christmas tree lights in our darkened living room. Back then, it seemed everyone had a real tree. (The rare exceptions were those ultra-modern aluminum contraptions with the colored wheel that would cause the tree to change colors. I thought those were ghastly, but I'm sure they are priceless collector's items now.)
The situation was a little different with my kids and husband. The thought of going with me to the tree lot was the equivalent of being asked to go shoe shopping for my son and husband. They would tromp along, under obvious duress, my husband barely containing his shock over the price tags. Not exactly a Norman Rockwell moment. Now that my son is grown and flown the nest, my frugal, practical husband has been trying to sell me on the benefits of an artificial tree. When he brought home an already lighted, boxed tree last year ("It was on clearance!") I had to resign the little girl in me to the fact that I am now stuck with an artificial tree. I must admit, it does look awfully real, but in spite of its appearance, it will never hold the magic of the real thing. Apparently, I'm not alone. Today, artificial trees account for almost 70% of Christmas tree sales in the U.S.
Smell is one of our strongest triggers for memory, which is probably why I long for the real thing. So, to counteract this "faux fir" in my living room, I bring the smell of Christmas from the outdoors in! You can do the same thing, regardless of your tree preference. Evergreen boughs, pinecones, nuts, seed pods, bird nests, etc can all be turned into decorations that are simple and fun, or elegant and easy. Wreaths, garlands, swags, ornaments, even potpourri, can all be made from natural elements found around your home. Keep your eye out all year long for things that you can turn into your own expression of a holiday home. Even if you're not the "crafty type," it really is easy to create simple, natural decorations. Here are a few suggestions:
- Evergreen boughs: spruce, fir, cedar, juniper, arbor vitae. These can be collected from your own yard or you can ask at your local garden center or tree lot for any trimmings they may have. Keep these in a cool, moist place until ready to use.
- Broadleaf sprigs: holly, pittosporum, magnolia, hawthorn, nandina, pyracantha. Some of these have beautiful berries, as well. Palm fronds like sago and Mediterranean fan palms add a Gulf Coast touch.
- Natural elements: nuts, moss, gourds, fruits, berries, seedpods, seashells (again, that Gulf Coast touch). I have seen a gorgeous wreath made completely from Tallow tree berries. A single red ribbon against a cluster of white berries, simple, but beautiful!
- To really add to that memory-spurring olfactory experience, try using cinnamon, nutmeg, rosemary or mint in your designs.
- And don't forget the Mistletoe!
- Some items you may need: florist wire, florist foam, twine, hot glue, clippers, scissors, snow or glitter spray.
- Wreaths can be made easily from store bought frames. These can be florist foam, grape vine, straw, or pre-formed wire. The florist foam has the added benefit of holding water, so it will keep things a little fresher. One of the simplest ways to make a wreath is to use a wire coat hanger. Simply shape it into a circle, using the hook as a hanger. Using four to six inch long pieces of evergreen, attach them with florist wire to the hanger, starting at the hook. Each successive piece of evergreen should cover the wire of the previous one. When you are finished with the evergreen, fill in any gaps with pinecones, nuts or berries. Add a red ribbon and hang it anywhere! Garlands can be made much the same way, using strong twine or small rope.
- If using a florist foam wreath or block, always soak it in water for an hour or two before you use it. The foam blocks can be cut to fit into any shape of container. Set into your favorite vase and fill with greenery.
- To make a striking candle centerpiece, place a foam wreath on a large platter. Beginning at the bottom and working your way up, add evergreen boughs, magnolia leaves, etc. to the foam wreath. Add a hurricane lamp and a candle and viola`, Christmas magic!
If you simply aren't into creating your own designs or, more likely, don't have the time, you can still bring the outdoors in by hanging a beautiful blooming Christmas cactus in the window. A bright red Amaryllis or Poinsettia blooming on the windowsill can also capture this effect.
Whatever you do this holiday season, take the time to enjoy the natural beauty around you!
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