During the holiday season, we take time in decorating our homes for festivities, and wreaths are important Christmas decorations. Whether fresh wreaths are used or artificial wreaths are bought, a wreath definitely enhances the mood.

Wreaths were used to be given as a sign of victory or accomplishment during ancient times, worn on the head or around the neck. These homemade wreaths were a source of pride for both the recipient and the maker and displayed on the walls or doors as a bragging right. Early Christians used wreathes to symbolize the coming of the Jesus; thus the advent wreath was introduced.

Fresh wreaths use evergreen that is twisted to form a ring then adorned with flowers and other indigenous materials. Some decorations used include flowers, pine, holly, yew, cedar, pine cones, nuts and seeds.

It is easy to make fresh wreaths. Determine the diameter of your wreath and get a sturdy wire, but add an extra 8”-12”, as this will be used as your hanger. Make a ring from the wire, and it will be your guide. Tightly wrap branches around the wire. Do this several times, as it’s the base of your fresh wreath. This is the basic on how to make a homemade Christmas wreath. From this point, let your creativity take over. You can place fresh flowers, the traditional evergreen pine, pine cones, whatever you can think of! Making homemade advent wreaths follows similar guidelines, just remember the candles (3 purple and 1 rose) and their holders.

Artificial wreaths are easier to make since craft stores have everything you need. You can also go eco-friendly by recycling old paper cups, scarves, neckties, old Christmas decorations, and other items destined for the garbage.

Add a personal touch to your fresh wreath or your artificial wreath. The secret of homemade wreaths is using what is available to you, and using it creatively.

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