The Oracle

Well heres a topic we can all have fun with, I'm wondering what you guys do for decorations during Yule. I'm planning on getting some themed ideas into the flat this year and I have my nice new slimline tree to put up lol. But how do you create that true winters feel inside your own home?

I'm looking for ideas on craft projects that we can all have a go at. If I'm honest with you all, I ain't got a clue where to start, I know I'd like to create a sort of winter scene indoors. I think the best way to put it is to bring nature into my home in a fun and wonderful way.

So any ideas?

For me it all starts with smells... I have cinnamon, clove, orange scented oils, candles etc. Then the smell of natural greenery and a warm fire. When I come home from work and open my front door, the smell is wonderful! The natural traditional colours red and green of holly, and greenery and mistletoe everywhere...

does anyone have any ideas on making wreaths for yule. and preserving them?
BLESSINGSXXXX

Well as I don't really celebrate Christmas or Yule and don't really decorate the house, these are suggestions rather than things I do!

Wreaths, made from fir trees, holly, ivy etc or a mixture! looks really nice, a friend of mine used to make LOTS of them to earn extra money. Just a metal base that you tie whatever you are using to with garden wire. I am not sure on how to preserve them though or if you need to start from scratch each year (unless you are using artificial/silk plants).

Make your own wall hangings or displays to go on tables/window cills/fire places etc. You can buy the artificial plants, like ivy, holly, fir tree, mistletoe etc, be creative and make your own decorations, you can also add things like pine cones etc.

A big bowl of mixed nuts in the shell (hazel nuts, wallnuts etc), looks really nice in a wooden bowl in the middle of the coffee table and will also keep me quiet and occupied when I come to visit!

You could make representations of the Oak King and the Holly King, could be paintings or sketches, small statues made from clay, dough, material or paper machet.

There is a Norse/Scandinavian Yule tradition of making a Yule Goat from straw. Originally they were to honour Thor (who's chariot was pulled by goats?), and they have been absorbed into scandinavian christmas decorations. They are made from straw, can be as small or big as you like (from tree decoration to a larger display), I have no idea how to make one, but I'd love to have a go!

Use scented candles or incence, like cinnemon or winter spice etc.

Make paper decorations of things like snowflakes, trees etc.

Yule logs! logs can be used to make a nice display in an unused fireplace or in a basket, and can be decorated with a few flowers, bits of fir tree etc.

try to use natural things in your decorations (no tinsel or shiny baubles!).

the list can go on and on!

Gassho,

M

For a man who doesn't celebrate, you know too much you know that don't you lol

M ! i did not know you were so artistic , and if i put a big bowl of nuts out i expect a visit from you to eat them! And i am so looking forward to Freyjas pics.
Blessings X

But how do you create that true winters feel inside your own home?

OPEN ALL THE WINDOWS!



While I was out walking in my grove yesterday morning I discovered Three Holly bushes growing in a triangle with each other. I felt drawn to do so, so I stood in the middle of them. It was amazing to feel the energy flow at this time of year and it's not something I've ever done before. Anyway after basking in it for a minute or two I got a very deffinate feeling of having been given permission to take a cutting from each of them! So I guess I'll be having some Holly sprigs in the house.

We have a slimline tree that we bought last year and it's gorgeous Cadno, that's a good choice.

OH GODS!!!!

Me and Holly is a dangerous thing, I have so many superstitions myself about it that I tend to only harvest it for either Yule rituals or during the correct time of the year. But when a Holly tells you take a sprig, that's a serious honour in my eyes.

Yeah man that's what I thought! I had to double check; know what I mean. But equally I'm not gonna say 'No' am I!

No arguement there