This year we are having a blast studying Early American History, and currently we are learning about the trials, joys, hardships and blessing that the pioneers experienced when they first settled here in America. So, what a better way to learn about it then to merge our preparations of Christmas with the way the settlers prepared for Christmas! There is just something to be said about the simplicity of their traditions. I must say that I am a bit envious of the purity of their preparations. All the simplicity only helped to focus the holiday on the birth of Christ, the true reason for Christmas. Their weren’t many general stores and the pioneers had little money anyway to spend on things…so all gifts, decorations and ornaments were homemade. For example, one of the holiday trimmings that they made were “pomanders”….an ornament made from oranges, whole cloves and ribbons. The kids had a blast making these. The trick was to poke the orange with a toothpick first before poking the clove in! I gotta say, it brought such a joy to see that even the simplest and modest of adornments brought such joy to my kids(just as it did many many years ago for the pioneer children)!
MMM! I wish I had smellivision because I know those smell great. 🙂
So totally cool, Jo!I can imagine the fun they had making their pomanders! And, they look great on the tree.