Add a Little Country to Your Christmas

What could possibly be more traditional than a do-it-yourself country Christmas celebrated at home with crafts and family? Take a step back in time and think of what country means. For some it will take them back to Europe and traditions there. For others it will be a journey through the Internet to see what country really means because they have never seen it. You are cordially invited to join my for a trip down memory lane and country Christmas craft adventure that would do the old Montana homestead proud.

Bears were our constant neighbors and it seemed a little said that they always slept through Christmas. So in this country Christmas do-it-yourself bears will abound.

Lets begin with foam bear garland. This is a simple project and quick. These are two great things when one is trying to get crafting done. The first thing needed is a simple silhouette of a polar bear and a black bear.

Next on the list is white and black craft foam. Trace the silhouettes on to the craft foam and cut them out. Attach them to some jute and bears will be wandering all over the Christmas tree.

Christmas stockings are a must. Why what would Santa do if he had nothing to put the oranges and candy in? This year for our do-it-yourself country Christmas the stockings are all old cowboy boots lined up on the fireplace mantle. Seems a little unsanitary so we made a simple straight bag of Christmas cloth that runs into the boot and drapes over the top. Each boot is decorated with a tri-bead wreath in place of spurs, seems a little kinder.

Rag garland seems to scream country. So we found some old sheets and supplemented with some fabric that was all about bears. It was ripping and tying and there was plenty of garland to run across the top of the kitchen cupboards. They can be tossed in the wash so they are a great decoration for the kitchen.

Stuffed bears are everywhere and each has something that says it is Christmas time. It may be a collar made of jingle bells. It could be a simple red and black bow. It may be a sleeping bear that is peaking out from under a Christmas pillow.

Candles are a wonderful way to celebrate. Buy them plain at the craft store and then embellish. Adding a beeswax bow can turn an ordinary candle into a decorations. Decoupage bears and other creatures hiding under Christmas trees. There can be candles in every room in the house.

Bring in some fresh pine boughs and make some gingerbread. The house will even begin to smell like that country Christmas that so many enjoy. Don't forget to decorate the gingerbread and share with friends.

Fresh flowers are always a welcome decoration and shouldn't be left out of the holidays. A simple arrangement of red and white carnations can dress up any table.

Decide what country means to you and bring it on home.