Holly at Home

Pinecone Holly

The use of evergreens to decorate for Christmas goes back to Kalenós, the ancient mid-winter feasts of the Romans. In 17th century England, a variety of evergreens were used to decorate homes on Christmas eve and taken down after Twelfth Night (January 6). Holly and Ivy were used together and symbolized man and woman. Holly leaves, with their sharp points, were also thought to represent the crown of thorns worn by Jesus, with the berries representing his blood.

“So now is come our joyful feast;

Let every man by jolly;

Each room with ivy leaves is drest,

And every post with holly.”

George Wither, 1st half of the 17th century

Here is a bit of holly you can make for your own Christmas décor. You will need:

3 pine cones

Green acrylic paint

3 red buttons

Red ribbon or yarn

Glue gun and glue

Paint the pine cones green. When dry, glue the bottoms of the pine cones together with hot glue. Glue the red buttons on to the cones as berries. Glue a ribbon or yarn bow on top.

Activity and photo credit: thepinterestedparent.com