I'm going to keep a kind of diary of some of the things I make and do for Christmas.
If anyone wants to join in they are welcome.
Maybe we can swap ideas. 
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First of all I collected up the pruned tendrils from my Wisteria, and wound them around each other to make a wreath.
Still needs a few more strands to plump it out, but when finished I will decorate it.
Not sure whether to go for the trad. Christmas red and green with bits of glitter, or maybe skandi type with natural fir cones cinnamon sticks etc., finished off with a velvet vanilla coloured bow!
I'll have to take a look in the Christmas craft box(es!) to see what is looking the nicest.
Next persuaded my husband to bring down the many boxes of trimmings etc., down for me to check through, and they are now stuffed under the dining table until I get to decorate the house later on.
I cant ask him to trudge them back upstairs, too much stress on the knees!
It gives me the chance to look through and see what is looking a bit jaded and decide if I should buy new.
Found the outside lights and tested some to see if still working. Yes, so arranged them strategically in the back garden.
We had cut back a large tree a couple of weeks ago, which left the view from the window a bit empty, and I didn't like it.
So we dug out a large pot, heaved it (well he heaved I steadied it) onto the sack truck and wheeled it into position.
Then stood the largest pruned branch (about 3ft) into it and filled the pot with earth to hold it in place.
The branch is nicely twisted so I spent a couple of days on and off winding lights around it to emphasise its lovely shape. Fiddly but the effect is very pretty.
Then I filled the top of the pot with some trailing variegated ivy, (being sold off at 50p a pot).
Now I've left the lights off for now, as it is a little bit early!
But I'm looking forward to seeing them everyday from my window over the Christmas period.
It's the one thing that perks me up when the clocks change and windy wet winter seems to stretch out before us.
Namsnanny my little grandsons are coming from NZ for Christmas so I'm going all out with the decorations this year - the gnomes are for my bookcase. I might make some more for their bedroom windowsill (although not with the cat litter 
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Bradfordlass … Sounds as if you'll have a lovely day! I'm sure your GS will love the hide and seek present fun
Littleannie … Gosh so many people with bad moods over Christmas!
There was I thinking of it as a craft fun thing to share!
Don't forget, if you make your own things October is a tad late.
If it's not for you, simples, just ignore the thread.
Yes Bah humbug is right.
I've looked out some family photos of previous Christmas and I've decided to have a few copies made, or I'll just copy them at the library, and turn them into cards this year.
I thought it would be a nice change and save buying cards.
It will be summer here of course and many people decorate inside and outside their homes.
I do neither and won't even have an artificial Xmas tree.
I would never, ever kill a tree for Christmas, and this was my philosophy long before we got eco obsessed aware.
The few cards (it's all digital now) I get will be placed on a small shelf in the kitchen and possibly used as gift tags for the prezzies.
But my favourite thing is a family tradition, now carried on with my grandson, of hiding small gifts around the house and garden, and giving him written clues to find them.
Such fun for all of us.
This year, I shall not be at home but at my son's house with dil and dgs.
I've been asked to make and take the Yorkshire pork pie for Christmas breakfast; the brandy butter for the mince pies and the Xmas Pud. For this last I make the milder, buttery version we've always preferred.
At least one major gift this year is a subscription - can't wrap that up!
Not sure at this stage what else will be given.
It makes a big difference when you can't get out to the shops to browse for lovely things and take part in the Christmas atmosphere.
Mind you, there's no impulse buying either
Willow ….You've been very busy .
You are quite sure the cat litter was unused, aren't you?
What will you do with them?
I've just made two gnomes from old socks and a piece of fur off an old gillet - they're stuffed with cat litter (unused of course) as I read that rice needs to have the bugs killed by freezing it and I was too impatient.
I've also prepped a ceramic Christmas tree and stand tonight ready to paint over the weekend. I did a Santa train last week and enjoyed doing it so moved on to bigger things.
YouTube has a lot to answer for
whitewave … That sounds really lovely. What made you think you'd like to do that?
Could you send us a photo when it's done, only if you'd like to of course?
grapefruitpip …. I'm keeping a type of diary of Christmas crafts and makes.
Which maybe, like minded crafty people may wish to add to, sharing their ideas and makes with everyone.
But its only for Christmas not St. Patricks Day so no leprechauns I'm afraid 
MawB …. Yes the traditional slimy sprout!!
Never been a star in our house, with only me liking them.
Everyone in my family is vegan now.
Even so they wont be wanting sprouts if the past is anything to go by!
grapefrutpip … Sorry was I too rich for your blood? As they say now My Bad
Oh dear! Sillygrandma … No not for you, enjoy your dark room bye
??? Sprouts should have been on by the end of September - oh dear, that’s your Christmas ruined
Is it too early to put the sprouts on
midgey … Don't worry, I've just looked up a eco supplier.....if I even get to use it!
More reason to go skandi!!
Thanks for reminding me
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