Pastimes: 5 Old-Fashioned Holiday Decorations to Make (and Give)

Lately I’ve rediscovered the simple satisfaction of sitting down in the evening to sew (my blanket stitch is improving, but barely) or string a strand of cranberries—a nice change from watching Netflix until I nod off. It’s a comforting way to pass the time in 2020, and the finished results add a homespun, old-fashioned sense of festivity around the house—or, wrapped, make charming gifts, too.

Behold, five old-world, make-it-yourself holiday decorations for decking the halls—or packaging up to send to friends and family.

1. Hand-dipped taper candles

Our resident DIYer Justine offers two takes on the classic golden beeswax, with pale green bayberry tapers and the noirish black tapers shown here, festive for a dark winter’s night.

2. Spicy-scented pomander

N.B.: A friend who is moving—and doesn’t want to acquire any more decor—liked the idea of hanging up a few pomanders, since there’s no storing or packing away involved once the season’s over.

3. Threaded garlands (of cranberry, popcorn, dried fruit, or foraged finds)

4. Cinnamon and salt dough ornaments

5. Homemade advent calendar

This year I made my own advent calendar with the small cotton muslin bags used in cooking, stitched-on numbers, and a length of twine—a satisfying project to work away on and, now, a small bit of enjoyment for every day. Do the same with tiny bags like these—or find a branch and hang up small wrapped gifts, like Greenhouse Juice did in DIY Holiday: An Advent Calendar Branch from the Garden.

In pursuit of more gifts and decorations to make yourself this year? See:

• Last-Minute Gifts: 7 Favorite Holiday DIYs
• The European Holiday: 14 Ways to Decorate the House, from France, Sweden, and More
• 10 Favorites: No-Cost Holiday Decor Ideas