Holiday garlands are common Christmas decorations. For thousands of years, in the times before Christmas, garlands were used as simple home décor. They were made by twisting evergreen branches around each other, and homeowners would ornament their garland with holly, laurel, hemlock, myrtle, husks, dried grasses and dried fruits.

Though there are numerous garlands available in the market, you can make tree garlands to adorn your Christmas tree, floral garlands to accent your home, or you can buy them to drape them over your walls. It is important to note where you want to place these garlands before you make one or buy one. Ranging from the simple and inexpensive to lavishly-designed but costly ones, choices abound.

Here is how to make a Christmas garland on your own! You will need a length of rope, leaves (faux leaves don’t crumble), needle, fishing line, faux berries, beads, wire, and measuring tape. Determine where you want to place your holiday garland. Measure the length and add approximately 10 inches to that length. Cut the fishing line to a length twice that of the rope. Using the needle and fishing line, string together some leaves and beads, and make double knots at each end to secure them. Fasten the fishing line with leaves and beads to one end of the rope. Wrap the fishing line around the rope so that the leaves will cover it. Occasionally secure the fishing line to the rope using a wire. Secure the other end of the line onto the rope using several knots.

Your holiday garland is almost done. Determine the middle of your garland and tie a wire around it for hanging. Wire together a bunch of berries and put them on the garland. Check areas where the rope can be seen and place some more decorations or adjust the leaves. Use other materials like dried herbs, flowers and petals. Just be creative!

If you're making a lighted garland, use materials that will not easily ignite. There is literature on how to make paper garlands or how to make flower garlands, or whatever type of garland you want. It'll be fun making your own holiday garlands with your family.

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