The creation of our annual Advent wreath has become a lovely and much-anticipated tradition, something we have done for about thirty years! One recent sunny Saturday, James and I walked together around our property in search of the “ingredients” for our masterpiece: glossy-green Nellie Stevens Holly leaves, brilliant red berries of Heavenly Bamboo, branches from several varieties of Fir, feathery Pine fronds, clippings and berries from half a dozen types of Hollies…all in all, we gathered clippings from more than 20 different kinds of trees and shrubs–all on our property!

After gathering the clippings into a wheelbarrow, James spread the assortment out onto and around our covered hot tub while I soaked the “oasis” foam until it was water-logged. I placed it into a plastic tray, carried it outside to my improvised work space, and let the joy wash over me with the sunshine, as I randomly selected from the varied and vibrant clippings and stuck them into the foam, building yet another “better-than-last-year” holiday wreath.

Once again, I am grateful for the all-season beauty that surrounds me and for the opportunity to share it with family and friends, especially as we gather to celebrate all that is meaningful in our lives.

May your days also be wreathed in joy during this beautiful time of the year!

Gratefully shared by Betty Hanselman

Gardener’s wife (& daily joy gatherer!)