Pastimes: 5 Old-Fashioned Holiday Decorations to Make (and Give)

NB: A friend who is moving – and no longer wants to buy decor – liked the idea of hanging a few pomanders, because there is no storage or storage once the season is over.

3. Threaded garlands (from cranberries, popcorn, dried fruit or forage finds)

Threading your own garland is a soothing way to pass the time (while watching a movie, for example) and looks rather charming on a tree, banister, or fireplace. Opt for the old-fashioned cranberry, dried fruit or popcorn string, or do like Justine here and string on a garland of fodder finds, lightly golden. — Above: Putting on your own garland is a soothing way to pass the time (while watching a movie, for example) and looks rather charming on a tree, banister, or fireplace. Opt for the old-fashioned cranberry, dried fruit or popcorn string, or do like Justine here and string on a garland of fodder finds, lightly golden.

4. Cinnamon paste ornaments

Old school cinnamon dough ornaments look like gingerbread, but last much longer and smell amazing. Hang them on the tree, fireplace or window latches, or attach them to gifts. All you need is cinnamon, applesauce, a rolling pin, something to punch holes, and some twine. Follow this botanically squeezed take from Garden Therapy, or squeeze cookie cutters into the rolled dough instead.

5. Homemade Advent Calendar

The original Advent calendars began in & # 8 — Above: The original Advent calendars began “in the middle of the 19th century, when German Protestants made chalk marks on doors or lit candles to count the days leading up to Christmas,” according to MentalFloss. The more modern iterations have long been my favorite holiday tradition, with the tiniest of treats or surprises to be opened up every day.

This year I created my own Advent calendar with the little cotton muslin bags used in the kitchen, the stitched numbers and a length of string – a satisfying project to work on and, now, a little fun. for each day. Do the same with small bags like these – or find a branch and hang small wrapped gifts, like Greenhouse Juice did in DIY Holiday: An Advent Calendar Branch from the Garden.

Looking for more DIY gifts and decorations this year? See: