Christmas is the most wonderful time of year when Christians all over the world celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. The story is told in the Bible how an angel appeared to shepherds in the field with news of the birth of the Savior in Bethlehem. Three Wise Men from the East, following a star, brought gifts to the Holy Child.
To people everywhere, Christmas has become a time of giving and receiving presents. It is the one time when love for one's fellow man is more important than anything else. The symbol of the love is personified in the character that is familiar to every boy and girl-the character in Dr. Clement Moore's poem “The Night Before Christmas.” Dr. Moore took the legendary character, St. Nicholas, and turned him into “a jolly old elf” with a sleigh and eight reindeer.
Soon other customs evolved: Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, holly wreaths, decorated trees, mistletoe, and Christmas music. On the night of December 24th, Santa Claus, in his magical sleigh, delivers gifts to all the boys and girls all over the world.
It is very important to decorate the house for Christmas. Having a tree with lights, candles in the windows, beautiful centerpieces in the dining room all help to create this Christmas spirit.
Wreaths
Circles, rings, wreaths have always been symbols of eternity. To the Christian they are symbolic of Christ's faith and love. The ever-green boughs are “Christ's life-everlasting.” The colors of red and green symbolize the joy of the Savior's birth.
A wreath can be fashioned from several basic materials-Styrofoam, wire, or straw. Whichever medium you use, the procedure is the same. I prefer Styrofoam; I think it is easier to work with.
Materials:
A Styrofoam ring (the size depends on where the finished wreath will be placed), florist greening pins, florist wired picks, hot glue gun and glue, greenery, ribbon, and any other decorations you wish to use. I like artificial fruit, pine cones, berries, balls, and flowers-poinsettias, roses, or magnolias.
- Cover the ring with florist foil. This will protect the ring from damage, and it will also keep your door or wall from being scratched. On the back side, secure a chenille stem for a hanger.
- Cover the ring with greenery. Secure the limbs with the greening pins. You may want to touch them with the hot glue, but be careful not to melt the foam. Always work from the outside inward so that the pins will not show. You never want your mechanics to be visible in any arrangement.
- Attach your bow to the wreath with a wired florist pick. I prefer it at the bottom, but that is up to you. Some like the bow at the top; some like it on the side. It all depends upon the effect you wish to create.
- Attach your decorations-apples, pine cones, berries, etc. Use wired florist picks and hot glue. Again, be careful that your mechanics do not show.
- Hang your finished wreath on the door for all to see and admire. Suggestion: Try using real fruit and place the wreath in the dining room. As the fruit ripens, your decoration will smell wonderful!
Buffet Piece
To me there is nothing more beautiful at Christmas than red poinsettias, greenery, and candles. Put them together and you have a wonderful buffet piece or a mantel arrangement.
Materials:
Several pieces of driftwood nailed together, five or six red candles and candle holders, Oasis, cones, greenery, poinsettias, winter berries, florist foil wired florist picks.
- Cut the Oasis into pieces to fit into the depressions in the driftwood and wrap them in foil to hold water (You can use artificial poinsettias if you wish).
- If you are using live poinsettias, you should either burn the tips of the steams or stick them in boiling water until the white milky substance no longer oozes.
- Insert the candle holders, flowers, cones, greenery, and berries into the foam.
- Dim the lights and light your candles. Enjoy the atmosphere with your family and friends.
Table Decoration
Materials:
A brandy snifter, colored water, cooking oil, several floating candle wicks, greenery, satin balls, tiny roses, winter berries.
- Fill the brandy snifter about half way with the colored water and top it with the cooking oil. Place the candle wicks into the oil.
- Surround the brandy snifter with the greens, balls, roses, and berries. Beautiful!
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Suggestion: Make several in different sizes and colors. Arrange them on a buffet or mantel.
These decorations are very basic. You can use your imagination to create all kinds of wreaths, swags, garlands, trees, and arrangements. They can be simple as the ones I have shown you or they can be elaborate. Either way, the time you spend decorating will make your Christmas season more festive and enjoyable.
