This is the season of celebration for various religions. Though we don't all celebrate Christmas, we can all celebrate love and family at this time especially. The diverse cultures and ideas that we represent in our country can only enrich our lives. Reach out to those differences and embrace the diversity we enjoy. Learn about other cultures and celebrations to make your own fuller and more enjoyable.
Here in the desert southwest, we have a rich heritage from the native American and Mexican cultures. It is in our art, food, music and everyday life. One of the enduring customs from our Mexican neighbors is that of the luminarias, the candles set in sand in paper bags and placed along a drive, on a fence or any other prominent place. Also ristras, chilies strung together to hang on the wall. Or make a swag or swag garland from bay leaf, chilies, lemon leaves, statice, eucalyptus, pyracantha, holly, evergreens or any of the many things growing in our gardens now. Start by gathering enough of each kind and attach small bunches (4 or 5 stems) to green vinyl coated clothesline or other, at intervals of 4 to 5 inches, adjusting the space according to the size of the material so it overlaps to your satisfaction. To attach fruit and gourds, wrap stems with wire and leave long ends. For pine cones, wrap wire around leaving long ends or poke a hole with a nail and attach an eye screw in which to thread the wire. For stemless fruit such as quince, wrap in a piece of ribbon made of gold netting and tie the top with a long piece of wire. Dried pods, pine cones and other natural things can be used as they are or sprayed with gold or silver paint. You also use a glue gun to attach real or fake flowers, potpourri, cinnamon sticks, ornaments and other small things not easily attached with wire. These are marvelous hanging over a doorway, mantle, stairway, or arranged on a table with candles and Christmas ornaments. The same technique can be used to make wreaths, attaching to a store bought wire or foam frame or using galvanized wire bent into a circle or pliable branches. Use ivy of various kinds for topiary and as miniature Christmas trees by using a simple wire frame. Another interesting idea is to use your wire tomato cages, turned upside down, anchored in pots and woven with grapevines, honeysuckle vines or any such material and decorated with tiny lights. Great by the front door.
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