Over the past few years I have adopted a minimalist approach to the holidays. I no longer stress over long to do lists, crazy demands on my time or a chocked full holiday calendar. Instead, we purchase an adorable little tree from our local nursery, make certain every room has a beautiful handmade wreath and spend our days baking and listening to holiday tunes.

As a family, we enjoy all the sights and sounds of the city during the holidays, but try not to get hung up on the things we see or want. We do our best to fulfill the needs of others by participating in giving trees and through programs with our church and above all else we make an extra effort to be grateful for all our many blessings.

A long time ago Cameron and I stopped giving each other gifts for Christmas. Instead we exchange thoughtfully filled stockings and Jasper gets a few books, a couple clothing items and maybe a few little toys or craft supplies. I am a big fan of Jasper spending his day using his imagination, so I try to limit the amount of toys or excess stuff we give him. However, I am the first to admit I am obsessed with children's books and never feel like I could spoil Jasper with too many books or let's be honest...cute clothes. Anyway, back to the wreaths....

It is pretty simple to make these wreaths. All you need is: greenery, an embroidery hoop, steel wire and floral shears or scissors (not pictured). I create little bunches of greenery in my hand, twist the steel wire a couple times around the bottom of the bunch and then attach the bunch to the hoop with the rest of the wire. If I were going to make a full round wreath I will work counter clockwise overlapping bunch after bunch. When I am making a half full wreath such as these I start from the center of the bottom and continue placing bunches on either side until I am satisfied with the end result.

The other day I had a few hours to myself so I did what any normal person would do, hopped in my car, drove to a few amazing trees and bushes (I have been admiring) which are along one of my running routes and chopped off a few handfuls of each to bring home to make wreaths with. When I have a few moments to myself I love to create. Whether it be a sweet treat in the kitchen or a little holiday decorating prep.

This time of year is the perfect time to hunker down inside with a cup of cocoa and create. As you watch the rain hammer your window outside you just have to keep reminding yourself it is all snow accumulating up in the mountains.

Happy wreath making!