December First, All Wreathed In Smiles

Wreaths of Williamsburg... it's Christmas again! (Click picture to enlarge)

"Perhaps the best Yuletide decoration is being wreathed in smiles." ~ Unknown

The inhabitants of Williamsburg during Colonial days did not have online ordering or a local Michaels store to buy silk flower picks and glittery ornaments. No, Christmas decorations were homemade with fresh greenery from local pine and holly trees, dried flowers preserved from summer fields, freshly harvested and dried fruits or flower seed pods; even stalks of wheat gathered in the fall were used to fashion wreaths to grace the homes. The tradition is carried on today and the wreaths are still homemade with material gathered from the area. Shops often use materials from their establishments that advertise their wares.... pewter cups, wooden spoons, children's toy blocks, horse bridles and such. Each year they are just a bit different and each year they are beautiful.

Close up view of details.

If you happen to be in the area of Colonial Williamsburg between Thanksgiving and New Years... stop. Park in one of the parking lots near the shopping square and take a stroll. While a pass is required to go inside many of the attractions, a simple stroll through the streets and a view of the decorations is absolutely free.

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