It is perhaps fitting that this post is a day late, as I discovered that the Solstice this year actually occurred at 4.49am this morning, rather than on December 21st.
Despite wind and rain I set off to the special place where I always pick my holly. I suspect it's not really allowed but I would prefer to gather my own holly, piece by careful piece, taking only a few sprigs from each tree and, I have to admit, thanking each tree as I do so.
Anyway- It's one of my favourite Christmas rituals. I try to go on the Solstice if possible and I love the feeling of being out in the middle of an ancient copse of holly trees, following the traditional way of decorating my home for Christmas.
I was rained on, buffeted by the wind, muddy and scratched by the time I had my collection.
I didn't really mind, as I feel you should suffer a little for your holly!
Back at home everything was tipped out, the garden raided as well and I set about decorating the house (tucking sprigs of holly behind the paintings) and then making my wreaths.
I made a traditional one for the kitchen door:
Then I threw together a large unwieldy one for the front door which I decided not to photograph. I may have to do a bit of 'titivating' on that one..
And finally, I turned my attention to the inside wreath for over the fireplace. I must admit to being really pleased with it.
Last Autumn I bought a huge bunch of dried Honesty seed-heads, or 'moons' as I know them. I had the idea they would make a beautiful, delicate wreath. It was a tricky, delicate task. I made a simple base from a few twisted ivy stems and them carefully pushed little bunches of the moons in until I was satisfied. The crimson ribbon and little heart made of tiny bells added the final touch. I love the feeling of satisfaction that comes from having a creative idea, working on it and then seeing the finished result looking just as I had imagined it!
The Christmas tree is in and now awaits our decorating, so I will just say " Happy Solstice to everyone" and return to the cheerful but exhausting task of preparing for Christmas.
Despite wind and rain I set off to the special place where I always pick my holly. I suspect it's not really allowed but I would prefer to gather my own holly, piece by careful piece, taking only a few sprigs from each tree and, I have to admit, thanking each tree as I do so.
Anyway- It's one of my favourite Christmas rituals. I try to go on the Solstice if possible and I love the feeling of being out in the middle of an ancient copse of holly trees, following the traditional way of decorating my home for Christmas.
I was rained on, buffeted by the wind, muddy and scratched by the time I had my collection.
I didn't really mind, as I feel you should suffer a little for your holly!
Back at home everything was tipped out, the garden raided as well and I set about decorating the house (tucking sprigs of holly behind the paintings) and then making my wreaths.
I made a traditional one for the kitchen door:
Then I threw together a large unwieldy one for the front door which I decided not to photograph. I may have to do a bit of 'titivating' on that one..
And finally, I turned my attention to the inside wreath for over the fireplace. I must admit to being really pleased with it.
Last Autumn I bought a huge bunch of dried Honesty seed-heads, or 'moons' as I know them. I had the idea they would make a beautiful, delicate wreath. It was a tricky, delicate task. I made a simple base from a few twisted ivy stems and them carefully pushed little bunches of the moons in until I was satisfied. The crimson ribbon and little heart made of tiny bells added the final touch. I love the feeling of satisfaction that comes from having a creative idea, working on it and then seeing the finished result looking just as I had imagined it!
The Christmas tree is in and now awaits our decorating, so I will just say " Happy Solstice to everyone" and return to the cheerful but exhausting task of preparing for Christmas.
Jane, Wreaths are my favorite Christmas decoration. We are having storms today; when they pass I am hoping to head out in search of holly. Enjoy the season and Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteHappy Christmas Bonnie xxx
DeleteIt has been so very wet here that alas! all of our outside greenery is ruined for cutting. Yours looks wonderful! I adore holly, so special. x
ReplyDeleteWe were lucky to have good berries this year. Happy Christmas xxx
DeleteReally delightful! This year I have not had the chance to settle down to do much in the way of crafts as I spent the last few days in York. It was wonderful but obviously meant I wasn't at home to do crafty things! I hope to have a last minute blitz tomorrow. At least I'm not being expected to cook for Christmas dinner! Have a lovely Christmas and New Year!
ReplyDeleteThese wreaths were the only crafty thing I've done in ages! Happy Christmas xxx
DeleteChristmas is long past, but this post brings to mind cheerful pictures of how you have gone about getting ready for the day! That picture of the wreath for the kitchen door is charming. It all reads like a Christmas Carol... and reminds me of my church spire, Santa Claus and his reindeers, stained glass windows... All so very Christmassy !!
ReplyDeleteDear Ravindra, how lovely to hear from you. I'm so glad you still enjoy my blog and its tales of English life. I hope you are both well and happy. Wishing you and your family a very Happy 2016
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