Holiday traditions: Old and new!

Ah,  the holidays are here. Many are scrambling for parking spots at shopping malls looking for last minute gifts they were sure they had already purchased. Others are attending holiday and office parties and spectacular seasonal plays, dance and music performances.

And of course, television commercials are pitching cookies and cars, jewelry and clothes.

From 'White Christmas" to "Scrooge" and "Polar Express" there's comfort in seeing classics that tug at heartstrings and remind us on the importance of giving and sharing love, kindness and good-will toward one another. And isn't that what this season is all about?

I relish timeless traditions handed down from my family and those I started with my own. From making homemade ornaments,and stringing cranberries and popcorn on the tree, to caroling and baking cookies, holiday traditions are touchstones that last, spanning generations.

I remember Dad reading "The Night Before Christmas" to us kids snuggled up around a cozy fireplace, eyes opened in wide-eyed wonder. He passed around homemade eggnog, seasoned just right with nutmeg, that made us feel so "grown up." And of course, we left Santa his cookies and milk.

This year my family is starting a new tradition, a video memoir that will be added to every year.

Around the world, there are traditions for decorating trees and baskets, festivities and food that differ a bit from nation to nation, but the warmth and cheer that seems to surround the world like a cozy blanket brings smiles to children and contentment to even the stodgiest of curmudgeons.

If you're curious about timeless traditions here's a neat site with songs, recipes and wonderful insights to holiday traditions here and around the world.

Let us know your favorite holiday traditions. Send us images- or a video- we'd love to see and share.

From all of us, to all of you, have a wonderful holiday and healthy, prosperous and happy new year!

~Lynne, GMG
photos credits to Wiki images

Stacy's Paper Trees

I'm lifting this right from Ellen Well's Green Profit Weekly Buzz. thought it was too cute not to post. Here it is . . .


Speaking of the holidays and crafting, our Euro trendspotter Stacy Sirk is spot on this week. This time around, she’s not just spotting the trends—she’s creating them herself!


Try your hand at “potted” paper trees for the holidays or any day, depending on what paper is used. “So easy to create,” says Stacy, “any size, any color. Use recycled paper, or do it in brown craft, white paper, green, or a complete mix. Can be made full size or smaller. Brilliant!”

Here’s the how-to:
• Secure a stick/dowel/broom handle in an appropriate pot (or decorative gift bag) with cement or plaster of Paris. For small trees up to 3 ft. fill the pot with aggregate to secure the stake for easier disassembly

• Fold the edges in on a length of paper, then fold in half, giving it a puffy look of a bough

• Tie or wire the paper along the “trunk” starting from the bottom
• When you get to the top, form a pointy or lilting tree top and attach, bending to shape.

Stacy, who’s creating a 6-ft. paper tree, suggests using old stocks of branded paper, craft paper or holiday wrapping—even cellophane or bubble wrap!

Garden centers can make them for display or for sale. You can make them just for fun! Send us pictures if you do.

Suzi, Garden Media Group

Peace Tree Farm Decorates The Martha Show!

Lloyd Traven at Peace Tree Farm is known for cool and unusual plants. Candy, his lovely wife, is known for taking the rare plants Lloyd finds and turning them into very groovy containers.

Together they work magic.

And that's just what they did on The Martha Show this week. Lloyd and Candy decorated the set with pointsettias of every shape, size and color. Some were so new they don't even have names yet.

A big hit with Martha and the audience were the poinsettia mixed containers and wreaths. Martha especially loved the combo with scented geraniums. I love this simple centerpiece---Prestige Red, Rita's Gold, Holly fern, Black Fancy begonia.

Once the holidays are over, just pull the poinsettias out, toss them, and add another seasonal favorite to extend the life of your holiday centerpiece.

Check out Lloyd on The Martha Show for more ideas on decorating with poinsettias and Lloyd's Facebook page for more inspiring pictures.

Suzi

GMG