Crafting Natural Christmas Ornaments: An Orange Slice Star Tradition

There's a certain magic to December evenings. As the wind howls outside, tracing icy patterns on the windows, a warm glow radiates from within. For our family, this warmth comes not just from the crackling fire and flickering beeswax candles, but also from the simple act of creating together. We've made it a tradition to craft our own natural Christmas ornaments each year, using foraged materials from our land. This year, we're making star ornaments from dried orange slices and cinnamon sticks, a project that fills our home with the comforting aroma of the season.

This tradition is more than just a craft; it's an embodiment of slow living. It's a way to disconnect from the commercial frenzy that often engulfs the holidays and reconnect with nature and with each other. It’s about creating lasting memories, one slice of orange and one stick of cinnamon at a time.

Foraging and Preparing Our Natural Materials

The beauty of this project lies in its simplicity and connection to nature. Before we even begin crafting, we embark on a mini-adventure to gather our materials. Though cinnamon sticks aren’t exactly foraged from our backyard (a trip to the local spice shop is in order for those!), the oranges are a symbol of bringing a bright, natural element into our home.

The process of drying the orange slices is a ritual in itself. As the oranges slowly dehydrate, their vibrant color intensifies, and their fragrance permeates every corner of the house, a constant reminder of the festive season to come.

Step-by-Step Guide: Making Orange Slice Star Ornaments

Here’s how you can create your own DIY Christmas ornaments using dried orange slices and cinnamon sticks:

Materials You’ll Need:

• Oranges (Navel or Valencia work well)
• Cinnamon sticks (various lengths)
• Twine or string
• Scissors or pruning shears
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Oven or dehydrator
• Hot glue gun (optional)

Step 1: Slicing the Oranges

Wash and dry the oranges thoroughly. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the oranges into thin, even rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. This is crucial for even drying.

Step 2: Drying the Orange Slices

Preheat your oven to the lowest setting (around 200°F or 93°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the orange slices in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. Bake for 3-4 hours, flipping the slices every hour, until they are dry but not brittle. Alternatively, you can use a dehydrator, following the manufacturer's instructions for citrus. The drying time will vary depending on the thickness of the slices and the humidity in your home. You want them to be dry to the touch, without any moisture remaining.

Step 3: Arranging the Star

Once the orange slices are completely dry and have cooled, it's time to create your star. Lay out 5 cinnamon sticks to form a star shape.

Step 4: Attaching the Orange Slices

Carefully position dried orange slices at each point where the cinnamon sticks connect. You can use a hot glue gun to secure the slices to the cinnamon sticks. Alternatively, you can use twine to tie the orange slices to the cinnamon sticks, which creates a more rustic look.

Step 5: Adding a Hanger

Cut a length of twine or string and tie it around one of the cinnamon sticks to create a loop for hanging.

Your cinnamon stick ornaments are now complete!

Variations and Creative Touches

While the orange slice and cinnamon stick star is our go-to design, feel free to experiment with different variations. Here are a few ideas:

• Add other dried fruits like apple slices or cranberries.
• Incorporate small pinecones or evergreen sprigs.
• Use different sizes and lengths of cinnamon sticks for a more varied look.
• Sprinkle glitter onto the orange slices for a touch of sparkle.
• Add a drop of essential oil (orange or cinnamon) to the back of the orange slice for extra fragrance.

The Aroma of the Season

One of the most delightful aspects of this tradition is the aroma that fills our home during the drying process. The sweet, citrusy scent of the oranges, combined with the warm, spicy fragrance of the cinnamon, creates a comforting and festive atmosphere. This natural aromatherapy helps to calm our minds and uplift our spirits, making the holiday season even more enjoyable.

Connecting with Nature and Fostering Meaningful Connection

In a world that often feels rushed and disconnected, taking the time to create something by hand, using materials sourced from nature, is a powerful act. This tradition of crafting homemade Christmas ornaments allows us to slow down, appreciate the beauty of the natural world, and foster meaningful connections with our family. It's a reminder that the most precious gifts are not those that can be bought, but those that are created with love and shared with those we cherish. It moves away from the commercial aspect of Christmas and puts the focus back on family, nature, and the simple joys of the season.

A Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Christmas

Choosing to make eco-friendly Christmas ornaments from natural materials is also a conscious decision to reduce our environmental impact during the holiday season. Instead of purchasing mass-produced plastic ornaments, we are creating beautiful and sustainable decorations that can be enjoyed for years to come. And when the time comes to dispose of them, they can be composted, returning to the earth from which they came.

Share Your Creations and Inspire Others

This year, we encourage you to try making your own orange slice star ornaments and to embrace the spirit of slow living and handmade Christmas traditions. Gather your family, put on some festive music, and let the creativity flow. The process is just as rewarding as the finished product, and the memories you create will last a lifetime.

Once you've created your own natural Christmas ornaments, we would love to see your creations! Share photos of your orange slice star ornaments on social media using the hashtag #BHHarvestholiday. Let's inspire others to embrace the beauty of simple, nature-inspired crafting and to create lasting memories during this special time of year. Remember, it's the simple acts, the shared moments, and the love that we pour into our creations that truly make the holidays magical.