Identical round baubles and plastic tinsel decorate many a Christmas tree. Older decorating methods use natural, biodegradable products that are non-toxic and safe for children and pets. Items such as cinnamon sticks and dried apples look just as if not even more beautiful on the family Christmas tree as they impart a light, lovely and completely natural fragrance in the room. If that were not enough, natural Christmas ornaments are inexpensive and do not produce much waste.
Items Needed
This easy and rewarding craft project does not require specialty items and is fun to do with children. This can become part of a family's annual Christmas celebration.
- Lots of apples
- Lemons
- Cinnamon sticks
- Natural string or twine
- Raffia (optional)
- Scissors
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Skewers, such as for shish-kebobs
- Basket or colander
Making Christmas Tree Decorations, Day One
- Slice the apples horizontally. Make very thin slices.
- Dip the thin apple slices into lemon juice.
- Thread the apple slices onto skewers leaving space between each slice.
- Place the skewers of apples slices in a warm place to dry. Balancing the skewers on a colander or basket helps the air to circulate around the apple slices.
- When the apple slices feel leathery, they are done.
Making Christmas Tree Garlands, Day Two
Assemble the twine, apple slices, cinnamon sticks, raffia and scissors.
- Tie twine around a stick of cinnamon.
- Thread about half a dozen apple slices onto the twine. Leave a little space between apple slices.
- Make a bow with raffia and knot the twine around it.
- Thread another set of apple slices onto the twine.
- Tie a knot around another stick of cinnamon.
- Thread another half a dozen or so slices of apples onto the twine, and so on and so forth.
If it becomes cumbersome to work with a long stretch of twine, cut them smaller and later tie them together around cinnamon or raffia when decorating the tree.
Christmas Tree Decoration
Start at the top of the tree and gracefully wrap the natural, hand crafted Christmas garland around the tree. Continue around the tree until the garland has reached the bottom.
Enjoy the visual beauty and lovely, natural aroma. Place wrapped gifts under the tree.
When the holidays are over, these natural decorations may be burned in the fireplace along with the tree itself.
Outdoor Christmas Tree
What better way to celebrate the holidays than to decorate a living tree. Create a garland that birds can safely enjoy.
- Pop popcorn in a hot air popper (or in a cooking pan with just a little oil).
- Assemble popped corn, cranberries (fresh or dried), and thick thread with a needle.
- Thread a few pieces of popcorn onto the string, then a few cranberries, and so on.
- Wrap this garland gracefully around an outside evergreen tree.
- Watch the birds enjoy this holiday gift to them.
HOL101
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