There's something very heart-warming about the sight of decorative wreaths adorning the front doors of our homes, offering a warm welcome to visitors over the Christmas holiday period.
The word wreath comes from 'writhen', Old English for to writhe or to twist.
Holiday wreaths are often made by twisting evergreen branches into a circular form.
Nowadays, we know the wreath as symbolic of the festive season.
The wreath was adopted by Christians in the Middle Ages as part of the festive tradition and they became an integral part of the yuletide seasonal decorations.
The circular shape and the use of evergreen foliage are symbolic of eternity (laurels signifying victory, holly immortality and green symbolic of hope and renewal).
Some believe that wreaths represent the enduring nature and triumph of life over the force and hardships of winter.
Wreaths were banned in Britain in the 15th century and you could even be sent to jail for hanging one on your door! Fortunately, we live in more enlightened times and there is a vast array of both fresh and artificial wreaths available commercially to choose from.
If you're feeling more adventurous and want to exercise your creative flair, why not make your own?There's nothing like the personal touch.
Although you can make a wreath from scratch, this can be quite time-consuming and fiddly.
The easiest way is to buy a circular frame of the desired diameter which has been constructed from florists' (or paddle) wire.
You then pack the framework with florists' moss which should then be secured in place with twine or wire (preferably green to blend in to your arrangement).
Kits are widely available from garden centers and florists; some are even pre-mossed for you.
You can then gradually layer up your chosen evergreen foliage (fir, holly and ivy are particularly good).
You should encircle the stem of each sprig of foliage several times with wire, the end of which can then be stuck into the moss to secure it.
You can be as creative as you like, adding colorful berries, pine cones, fabric bows and cinnamon for that evocative festive aroma.
The finished article can be attached to your front door by wire or string on the back.
Remembering the symbolic significance of the wreath - life overcoming the rigors of winter - if you are an enthusiastic birdwatcher and wildlife conservationist, you can further customize your wreath as an attractive bird feeder for the benefit of the local wild birds.
Adorn it with bird food such as peanuts, fat balls (suet and bird seed), apples, pears and oranges.
Suspend the nuts and fat balls in small net bags (onion bags are perfect) attached by wire from the rim.
Try dipping pine cones in suet melted in a pan with bird seed stirred in.
When set, secure them at the base to the wreath with wire.
Avoid using peanut butter, as some birds can choke on it.
Ideally, you should hang wreaths on your shed or garage door to avoid messing your front door area.
It's a great idea to place them where the birds can be observed from indoors.
Keep an eye on the food and replenish as and when necessary.
Your hungry feathered friends will surely thank you for your thoughtfulness and keep returning to your garden year after year.