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Decking the halls when the holidays arrive makes for festive surroundings to welcome friends, family and a string of celebrations. Whatever your cultural or spiritual roots, let your heart be light as you decorate your own home. You'll find that items from nature's offerings will add beauty, color and interest, and branches from the holly bush provide a striking adornment to any setting.
Holly has long been associated with Christmas; the plant's importance dates back to the pagan era. The Druids wore wreaths of holly when going into the forest for their rituals, the Romans offered Saturn holly during their festivals, and Christians used holly in the windows to ward off evil spirits. The association with Christmas, though more gradual, became very popular and remains so today. When you have holly hedges, decorating them for Christmas can be fun and a way to brighten the dark days of winter.
Holly has been used for hundreds of years as a Christmas decoration. The bright green leaves and red berries sustain their color when brought indoors. Use holly in wreaths, center pieces and swags. Fresh holly emanates a mild scent. Keep holly fresh and looking good by following a few of the following techniques.
