I do believe in fairies!

Ever since I was a little girl I've been fascinated with the natural world. I also have a particular fondness for the magical world too. And this includes pixies, trolls, unicorns, nisser (Danish Christmas elves), and, of course, fairies! Now, don't get me wrong, I certainly don't have twee plastic gnomes all over the garden, or tacky ornaments of dragons and pixies on the mantelpiece.

However, I do like the mystery surrounding these mythical beings. Fairies are usually tiny, often beautiful human-like creatures (sometimes with wings) that appear in legends and folklore around the world. Fairies probably began as versions of pagan nature gods and goddesses, and so they are often associated with the outdoors.

Depending on the region, fairies are said to live in woodland communities, underground kingdoms, or inhabit lakes, hills, or stone or grass circles — sometimes with centaurs, elves, ogres, gnomes and other such creatures. Fairies come in many races and tribes, and vary in size and shape; though most are small, some can change in height and become human-sized or larger if they choose.

The remains of a fairy...

Fairies are now mostly relegated to children's magical fiction, hence the phrase "fairy tales." In centuries past, however, many adults also believed in the existence of fairies. Early fairies were not cute pixies; they were lustful, nasty and cruel creatures as likely to kill you as lead you out of the forest. They were often benevolent, but could also be capricious and vindictive. Travelers on long journeys (or even those just beyond their home villages) would bring offerings to leave for the fairies, typically bannock (bread) cakes, tobacco or fruits. In return, the fairy folk might provide good weather or safe passage from wild beasts and highwaymen.

Today I decided to pamper to my inner 'fairyness' and make a little home for a fairy. It's very easy to do and makes a lovely (and also rainy day) play activity with small people, as they can use their imagination to create something rather magical.

Find a large jar, the bigger the better.

Pop out to the woods, your garden, or a local park, and collect some stones, a little moss and a few twigs.

Arrange these items in the jar. If you wish, you could also add some miniature furniture, for instance, chairs and a table borrowed from a doll's house. I kept my fairy jar quite natural, like their woodland floor home.

I added a large toadstool, and popped my little fairy girl in.  And I think she looks rather cute nestled there in the spongy green moss, bringing a sparkle of New Year magic to my home!

How about this teapot fairy house made by Arthur Millican, jr. of Sleepy Hollow Woodworking Studio?

Or this pine cone house from Annmarie Garden?

 

So, tell me, do you believe in fairies?

 

Of parties and paperchains

I decided on a tartan theme for the Christmas party we held for a couple of very lovely people that help with Sam.

Paper chains are an easy decoration to make and can be themed for any occasion and topic. I searched for various tartan colours and patterns and got hubby to print these out before cutting into strips.

A bit of glue or (staple them together) and hey presto, a lovely garland to decorate your room. Here I added a few pom-poms in matching colours.

 

Below are some other examples of lovely chains. They could also be made out of other materials too, such as stitched fabric, knitted or crochet wool scraps.

stitchlily.blogspot.co.uk

 from belladia.typepad.com

from spottedcanary.com

We had a fun evening with much laughter, a rather loud rendition of the 12 days of Christmas (goodness knows what the neighbours thought!) and few vociferous rounds of  the game 'Animal, Vegetable or Mineral'!

Santa decorations from the Knickerbocker Glory dessert having a Xmas hug!

Wishing you a lovely Christmas!

xXx

ahhhh, Christmas is coming...

So, as the days are on a count down to Christmas, excitement grows in this household, and although we haven't seen any snow yet (much to BB's disappointment, on hearing the snow frolicking his cousins are up to in Denmark), there is much to do and create before the holidays are truly upon us.

Although we are as yet not fully decked out for Christmas (except each boy receives a small daily present in his advent calendar), we do now have our advent wreath hanging up. This year I decided to make mine a little more simplistic and rustic (or should that be rusty!).

However, if you choose to make a hanging wreath, do make sure the candles are far enough away from the ceiling so as not to burn it!

Christians use the Advent candles to celebrate this period with one lit every Sunday of Advent so that during the last week before Christmas all four candles are lit. The circle of the wreath reminds Christians of God, His eternity and endless mercy, which has no beginning or end. The green of the wreath speaks of the hope that Christians have in God, the hope of newness, of renewal, of eternal life.

A traditional fir wreath

They can, of course, be made out of other material too. Here pine cones, chestnuts and birch bark have been used.

This one is particularly pretty (madogbolig)

Traditionally it  begins with the first Sunday in Advent, when just one candle is lit, then two on the second Sunday, and so on. Many wreaths are made out of fir with silk bands and other decorations.  In England you are most likely to see this custom in churches, whereas in Denmark it is also a common sight in homes as well.

They make lovely table decorations too (Little Scandinavian).

I am a bit of a traditionalist, and like to keep customs going in my home. I also think it's important to pass down these traditions to the next generation.

Do you have an Advent wreath this year?