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.
Davida … Sounds very professional! Well, if you have enough tags for the future, that means you have more time to devote to another Christmas craft!!
Maybelle … How did the homemade mincemeat go?
I do a fat free (veggie really) version which is based on apple puree and apple juice but I've only just finished stewing and freezing the puree from our apples, so I haven't got around to making the mincemeat yet. But if I swirl a drop of booze around it I wont have to leave it to mature the flavour 
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I would love to see the pom pom wreaths!! Are they made from wool?
I keep asking people if they would like to leave a photo, would you? Fully understand if not!
How will you make the advent calendar….card, knit, sew?
Pittcity … My MIL grew all her own veg, well as much as she could, they did have a large garden and it kept them busy, too busy if you ask me!
But there again she had to plan her planting at least a year in advance, (remembering that the advice was not to plant cabbage/sprouts or carrots etc in the same place each year.
Then her freezer would be set up to deliver fresh veg at any time! Hard work though.
littleannie … No one wants you to not comment if that's how you feel, I just wonder if you've got hold of the wrong end of the stick!
Just to impress on those who don't understand how life for a do it yourselfer works.
Maybe they can learn that it's not showing off (is that the reason for so much agitation?) about how organised or clever one is, its just how it has to be!!
Plus, its nice to share the makes with others who like to do the same.
Just meant to be a gentle time spent away from the argybargy of political or argumentative threads!
Maggiemaybe ...Yes strange that it slipped into every discussion I was trying to avoid, and on to an argument which I was sure wouldn't happen
I suppose you cant please some, and they just love to tell you about it!
Daisymae …
cornergran… This is the nub that seems to bypass some people, if you make your own you have a limited time to get things done.
Witzend … I'm your echo I'm not trying to ram things down others throats, but surely a gentle thread about the things one likes to do in ones spare time shouldn't be a cause for consternation? 
Allotmentlil …(love your name BTW) That's the thing isn't it? Some things have to be done early, there is no getting away from it!
Yes I don't like the commercialism surrounding Christmas, but its there for any and every occasion now isn't it?
I think it's just a case of avoiding it as much as possible.
One thing I have noticed is how the Christian message is being marginalised in favour of a secular one. 'Happy Winter Holiday' is one that is popular. Polar bears on cards, that sort of thing.
I suppose each to his own.
(ducking behind the laptop for cover!!)
newnanny …..lovely ideas there, I'm sure someone will find them useful.
Its so nice to see the photos of your makes! As for your painting, you haven't seen mine yet .
Boodymum … the boxes sounds pretty and useful.
When you say you paint pebbles, do you write messages or paint pictures?
Either would be lovely, but I see some people on ebay, paint words in an artistic fashion on pebbles and they look good.
Please do not laugh at my poor painting. 
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