Making Christmas WreathsInstructions For Making Christmas Wreaths The Old-Fashioned WayBranches and boughs would be gathered in the woods to be crafted into decorative wreaths and adornments to be placed on tabletops and behind pictures. The fresh scent of pine and cedar mingled with the smells of the last-minute Christmas baking as everyone made ready for the family Christmas celebrations. Not only are wreaths a traditional Christmas decoration, but they make a beautiful addition to the home during the festive season. And while it is possible to buy a Christmas wreath, making your own wreath out of natural materials is not difficult for those who enjoy handicrafts. It's something the whole family can take part in and enjoy. History of The Christmas WreathThe ancient Persians, Greeks, and Romans once used decorative wreaths of laurel to signify victory. And the Germanic peoples used to display greenery in the form of boughs and wreaths to celebrate the recurring seasons.Eventually, as the centuries passed, wreaths displayed at Christmas time came to have a symbolic meaning for Christians. The Christmas wreath's circular shape represents a victorious eternity, while the green of its evergreen branches represents growth and everlasting life. Holly is traditionally used in making Christmas wreaths and table decorations. Its sharp thorns represent the crown of thorns placed on the head of Jesus Christ when he was crucified, and its bright-red berries symbolize His blood shed for the sins of all. The use of laurel symbolizes victory over suffering and persecution; cedar symbolizes strength and healing; and pine and yew symbolize immortality. The placing of pinecones and nuts in a wreath is symbolic of new life and resurrection. Making Christmas WreathsCopyright © 2007 by Don BellThe key in knowing how to make a Christmas wreath is to begin with a solid wreath form. Ready made Styrofoam wreath forms can be purchased at many department stores and craft stores. They are quite affordable, and small pins can easily be stuck into them for fastening decorations. However, an excellent wreath can be made for little or no cost by using a common wire coat hanger. Start by forming the wire coat hanger into the form of a circle leaving the wire hook at the top for hanging the wreath later. Now add the greenery to the wire form. Suitable branches can be gathered from whatever trees and bushes you have nearby. You can opt for traditional pine, yew, holly and cedar, or you can use ordinary birch or apple sticks, or even wild grape vines if available. Wind the branches around the wreath form, twisting them as you go. The idea is to carefully wrap them in a spiral fashion, moving somewhat horizontal toward the hole as you work your way around the form. Ends may have to be woven in. It may take several layers to cover the form and provide the basic color desired. If you find the branches too dry to bend, simply soak them in water for a few hours before use. Decorating Christmas WreathsOnce your wreath has taken shape, it's time to add your decoration and color. You can go for the traditional look and add sprigs of holly, pinecones and nuts. Or, use dried flowers, colorful leaves, and other natural materials in different shapes and shades. Dried herbs such as oregano add a dryer tone and pleasant fragrance. Or you might prefer something more colorful. Simply use your imagination and have fun. This is the time to be creative.Use fine floral wire to fasten the decorations to the wreath form and branch base. Floral wire can often be purchased in a color that blends with the color of the branches. Some clear fishing line can be used in a similar manner. Hot glue works quite well for this purpose and is nearly invisible when it dries. Simply work your way around the wreath adding your decoration to make it attractive on the displayed side. If the wreath is to be hung in a window, you will want to decorate both sides. A short strand of LED lights can be added to make a lighted Christmas wreath for display in a window. Hanging Wreaths For ChristmasIf you make a Christmas wreath using a Styrofoam form, it's easy to insert a small wire hook for hanging, or you can simply use a piece of colorful ribbon tied around the wreath.If you used a wire coat hanger as your wreath form, you can use the curved wire hook to hang the wreath, but you might wish to trim it shorter and re-bend it so it's not as noticeable. Or, you could make the hook attractive by taping or hot gluing the end of a ribbon to the hook's base, then wrapping it tightly around the hook out to the tip, then back to the base where it can be cut and fastened. 
Enjoy making Christmas wreaths that you'll be proud to hang in your home. Get the entire family involved and make happy memories for a lifetime.
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