Homemade Holidays

The lead-up to the holidays is brimming with delights for the senses: fragrant evergreens, the taste of spiced beverages, the immediate chill that enters the house when someone opens the door, and the sound of bells and carols. It really is a time of making memories.

Of course, we make memories throughout the season, not just on one day. Some of our special moments are in the preparation process. I enjoy thinking back to when I lived in Ottawa. I would spend a day making handmade chocolate truffles with a friend. We made hundreds of them and boxed them up to give to our loved ones. It was an annual Christmas event that I treasured then and even now.

Do you have similar rituals? A creative meet-up can be a cherished way to connect with others, including acquaintances you'd like to get to know better. Invite a couple of people over to make crafts, bake or decorate together. I dream of spending an entire day baking cookies listening to Christmas music. What could be more festive?

If you're baking, your place will smell delightful soon enough. However, if you're making other crafts, here's a tip to infuse your space with fragrance: place a pot of water on the stove and add cranberries, sliced orange, rosemary, cloves, cinnamon sticks and even a touch of vanilla. Simmer on low heat.

Or, you can first begin your creative session outdoors. Meet up with a neighbour to forage through your garden, field or forest. Select some pinecones, berries and branches for decorating. Remember to be sustainable - leave plenty enough behind for plants to regenerate and other species to enjoy. I love to forage greens (various cedar, pine, etc.) and dogwood branches.

You can use evergreens and other natural elements to decorate your urns or containers outside, and to make wreaths or boughs. I sometimes spray them gold to add a different look. I have a vase of red dogwood branches on my mantle with white lights and a few ornaments hanging from them. Nature's treasures are also wonderful for making centrepieces, tablescapes, and ornaments to hang on the tree.