If you know me, you’ll know I’m not a fan of Christmas time. Its far from my favourite time of year. I feel its ladened with expectations – to have a good time, to all get on well as a family, to be able to muster up energy for the endless get togethers (which could have been happening throughout the year). I sound a bit miserable.
Despite my slightly negative feelings about Christmas, there are a few things that I do enjoy. Like wreath making with friends. Its become a yearly tradition where we put an order in for flowers, greenery and foam rings (we have an expert florist in the group – luckily!). And then we gather round a table with fizz, cheese straws (and some other delights) to craft and create.
We lose ourselves in chat and foliage and as if by magic we end up walking home with the most amazing hand crafted wreaths.
This year we’ve decided to do it a bit differently. We’re foraging for the vast majority of our ingredients, materials even. We’ll add a few special touches (I couldn’t help but buy a few of these lolly-pop like flowers).
It feels exciting, if a little unknown this year – how will it work out? Will the wreaths look as stunning as our previously crafted ones?
However they end up, I’m sure we’ll be feeling proud of our achievements – and its not the wreaths that are the best thing about this event. There are so many more benefits I know I will feel after today:
01
Connection & Community
Creating something side-by-side is quality time without the pressure. There will be a lot of chat and alot of laugher. I know for sure we’ll have had a good catch up, been able to lift each other up and we’ll leave feeling boosted (and hopefully with a more than presentable creation!). Creative activities in good company help lower stress, lift mood, and offer a calming break from everyday responsibilities
02
Joy of Foraging and Getting Out in Nature
Last week, we embarked on a foraging expedition. All of us exclaimed how much we loved the day. Gathering materials in the fresh air with a sense of adventure. It was energising, and we’ll do more again today ahead of our wreath making session. I hope it makes the final wreath feel even more of an achievement and reward.
03
Sparks Collective Creativity
We’re lucky to have our expert florist in the group to help keep us on track and with some tips and trick but its amazing how much we can end up inspiring each other by experimenting and seeing different styles take shape. It’s a relaxed, confidence-boosting way to be creative as a group and zero pressure.
04
A Sense of Achievement
Over the years we’ve learned techniques which we use again and again (sometimes needing a prompt – thanks menopause brain fog!). Everyone leaves with something they made, and that collective “look what we created” feeling is really uplifting and confidence-boosting.
05
Encourages Mindfulness
It’s a time to be away from our phones and commitments and helps us be present and in the moment. I find it get lost in the creativity, the chat and I always leave feeling calmer after wreath making.
