This morning was cold and frosty as I headed into the woods. The ground sparkled in the sunlight. The crisp air filled my lungs, carrying the fresh scent of pine and damp earth.
It was the perfect day to gather materials for my Christmas wreath, a tradition I’ve kept for years that always feels like bringing the magic of nature into my home.
I made my way to the willow tree and twisted a few twigs together to form the base of the wreath.
When I was done, I searched for anything I could find to decorate it.
The first thing I found was a cluster of bright red crab apples. They stood out beautifully against the bare branches, so I snipped a few, leaving plenty for the birds.
A little further on, I spotted a branch of scots pine on the ground. It was fresh and fragrant, so I added it to my basket.
Around it, I found pinecones scattered beneath a tall tree.
I gathered a few, imagining how they’d look tucked into the wreath.
As I wandered further, I found a holy tree.
Beside it was a yew tree.
Ivy was growing everywhere.
I gathered plenty of them to make the wreath full and fluffy.
And plenty more I picked along my way: lichen, moss, acorn, curly dock seed, pampas, catkins, cypress, honesty, and love in the mist seed buds.
Back home, I spread everything out.
I grouped the mixed greenery in each bundle and tied it with elastic bands.
Then, I lay the greenery in one direction for a consistent flow.
I placed it on the base and secured it with twine, wrapping it tightly around both the bundle and the base.
I overlapped the next bundle slightly with the first one to hide the stems and string.
Slowly, it came together.
A Full and fluffy Initial Wreath
I added dried sliced orange made last night.
I tucked in the berries, moss, lichen and the rest to add a bit of colour and contrast. And finished it with a simple burgundy ribbon.
The lichen and moss created a good accent, I am pleased to see them in there.
The dried orange slices, berries and holy created a good contrast.
The honesty and pampas brighten the wreath.
When I hung the wreath on my door, it felt like more than a decoration. It was a little piece of the forest, full of beauty and life.
It wasn’t about the rush or the glitter of store-bought things—it was about finding joy in what’s around us, embracing the quiet beauty of winter, and sharing a little piece of it with the world.
Every time I see it, I feel warmth and gratitude, knowing the season’s true beauty lies in these small, meaningful creations.
Wishing Everyone a Merry Christmas,
Mariah 😊🎄💗