Create a Magical Christmas for Your Family: DIY Tips, Helpful Hints, and Garden Inspiration

Video on how to: Discover how to create a truly magical Christmas for your family with simple DIY projects, stress-free tips, and inspiration straight from the garden.

From festive crafts to heartwarming family moments, this video is packed with ideas to make the season special without feeling overwhelmed. Perfect for busy mums looking to create lasting memories!

December in the Garden: A Season of Reflection, Transformation, and Magic

December in Edinburgh feels like stepping into a storybook—frosty mornings, golden light, and the anticipation of Christmas. There’s a unique charm in winter's quiet that transforms the garden into a place of reflection and joy. While the world outside slows down, the garden becomes a space to create memories, traditions, and a touch of festive magic.

Why December in the Garden is Special

There’s something enchanting about December mornings. The frost sparkles on leaves like crystals, and the low winter sun casts a golden glow over everything. Walking through my garden, I often think of C.S. Lewis’s words in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: “Always winter but never Christmas.” Here, it feels quite the opposite—always winter and bursting with Christmas magic.

One frosty morning, my children and I ventured out, wrapped in scarves and gloves, to explore the garden. They marveled at the ice patterns on the birdbath and delighted in leaving tiny footprints in the frost. Moments like these remind me of the joy in simple things and the beauty of sharing traditions. Later, I journaled by the pergola, jotting down these fleeting yet treasured memories, the quiet hum of the garden surrounding me.

Transforming the Garden for Winter

Winter doesn’t mean the garden has to feel bare or uninviting. With a little effort, it can become a cozy, magical space to enjoy all season long.

1. Add Lighting for Warmth and Ambiance
Simple string lights can transform a space instantly. I’ve wrapped them around our pergola and along the garden path, creating a warm, inviting glow. It’s amazing how something so simple can make such a difference.

2. Gather Around a Fire Pit
Our fire pit is a favorite gathering spot during winter evenings. Whether we’re roasting marshmallows or sipping warm drinks, it’s a place to connect as a family. Just last week, my children turned finding the best roasting sticks into a competition—it was equal parts hilarious and heartwarming.

3. Embrace Evergreens and Winter Plants
Evergreens like holly, ivy, and potted eucalyptus add life and structure to the garden. They’re not only beautiful but also functional—I love foraging from the garden to create festive decorations. (More on that later!)

Elisabeth Recommends: Winter Favorites

I also wanted to share a few things that have brought joy to our garden and family life this season:

• Felco Pruners: A must-have tool for any gardener.

• Customisable Journal by Paper: Perfect for capturing garden reflections or holiday plans.

• HelloFresh Meal Kits: A lifesaver for busy December evenings. I use them to give me bit more time and a little bit more headspace when things get very busy. If you want to try it, this is a code for 60% off your first box: https://www.hellofresh.co.uk/freebox/MjkxMzIzMDczLTAtNC0xMS1HQg

• Family Conversations: Try asking your kids, “What makes Christmas special for you?” or “What’s one tradition you’d love to start?” These questions have sparked meaningful moments for us.

  Magical Christmas Conversations:

  Questions to Make the Holidays Meaningful

  Gather your family together for a cozy holiday chat, and use these questions to spark meaningful conversations about what makes Christmas truly special for everyone.

• General Questions About Christmas Meaning:

  1. What do you love most about Christmas? Why is that special to you?

  2. What is your favorite Christmas memory so far?

  3. If you could design the perfect Christmas day, what would it look like?

  4. What’s your favorite Christmas tradition? Are there any new ones you’d like to start?

  5. What makes you feel most excited or happy during the holiday season?

  Questions for "Something They Want":

  1. If you could have one special gift this year, what would it be? Why?

  2. What’s something fun or exciting that you’ve been dreaming about?

  3. Is there a toy, game, or activity that you’ve been wanting to try?

  Questions for "Something They Need":

  1. What’s something you’ve run out of or wish you had more of?

  2. Is there anything that could make your day-to-day life easier or more comfortable?

  3. What’s one thing you think would help you do better in school, hobbies, or playtime?

  Questions for "Something They’ll Wear":

  1. What’s your favorite kind of clothing or accessory to wear?

  2. If you could pick one thing to add to your wardrobe, what would it be?

  3. Are there any clothes that make you feel really happy or cozy when you wear them?

  Questions for "Something They’ll Read":

  1. What’s the best book you’ve read recently? What did you like about it?

  2. Is there a story or topic you’ve always wanted to learn more about?

  3. If you could have a book about anything in the world, what would it be?

  Questions to Foster Magical Experiences:

  1. What’s one activity you’d love to do with the whole family this Christmas?

  2. If we could make or bake something together, what would you want to create?

  3. Where’s a place you’d like to visit during the holidays? (It could be somewhere magical, like looking at lights, or cozy, like a favorite spot at home.)

  4. If we were to surprise someone else and make their Christmas magical, what would you like to do for them?

DIY Foraged Wreath: A Simple, Festive Project

Creating a wreath is one of my favorite ways to bring the garden into our home for the holidays. It’s easy, family-friendly, and incredibly rewarding.

Step 1: Foraging
We gathered holly, ivy, pinecones, and even a few dried hydrangea blooms from the garden. My children had a blast searching for “the best branches,” with plenty of giggles along the way.

Step 2: Assembly
Using a wire frame, I arranged the greenery in layers, starting with larger pieces and filling in gaps with smaller ones. A few tips:

• Secure each layer with florist wire to keep it sturdy.

• Don’t worry about perfection; asymmetry adds charm.

• Add ribbons or fairy lights for an extra festive touch.

I’d love to see your creations—tag me on Instagram so I can admire your wreath-making skills!

December Garden Magic & Reflections

As the day fades and the garden lights begin to twinkle, I’m reminded of what makes December so special. Even in the quiet of winter, the garden is alive with opportunities for connection and celebration. From gathering around the fire pit to crafting something with your hands, these simple moments hold so much meaning.

What are your favorite garden or family traditions in December? Share them in the comments or connect with me on Instagram. For more ideas to bring magic into your garden this season, explore my blog for inspiration.

Here’s to making this December one to remember!

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Thank you for stopping by. If you have any questions, I’d love to hear from you! Get in touch: Elisabeth@joyfulgarden.co.uk