Wreath redux

One of my first posts explained why, after last year’s holiday season, "I finally took down the Christmas wreath on March 30." In short, I wanted to salvage parts of it for reuse and compost the rest instead of taking the path of least resistance and simply chucking the whole thing into the garbage bin. My plan was just complicated enough to deter action for months.

I closed the post by stating I’d report back if I ended up reusing what I salvaged, so I’m quite pleased to announce that, yes, I did indeed follow suit! The wreath pictured above is my proof. After I gathered some fallen evergreen branches, pruning shears, and the salvaged items, the wreath came together pretty quickly. (I admit that I have more energy for putting decorations up than for taking them down.) My wreath might be a little lop-sided and the ribbon a bit frayed, but those imperfections can’t compete with the gratification from making something with items on hand instead of buying something new. Zero cost and zero environmental impact add up to a lot more than zero.

As you make your way through the holidays, keep your eyes open to items that can also be reused or repurposed, and then carry these practices with you year-round for ongoing gratification of your own. Cheers!

Leftover wreath baubles ended up in a vase for some indoor decor