Crafting Christmas Traditions at Como

As the festive season approaches, Como House will again come alive with the charm and nostalgia of Christmas past. Each year, a dedicated group of volunteers has gathered weekly to breathe life into centuries-old traditions through the crafting of handmade decorations. With Christmas fast approaching, these dedicated crafters have been hard at work, creating authentic and sustainable Christmas decorations to adorn the rooms of Como House throughout the festive season. But it is not only about decorations; the group is preserving traditions, learning new skills, sharing stories, and building a sense of community. This Christmas, we invite you to be part of this heartwarming tradition.

Preserving Traditions with the Volunteer Christmas Crafting Circle

The Volunteer Christmas Crafting Circle is more than just a group of crafters. It is a collection of like-minded individuals brought together by a love of heritage, craftsmanship, and festive joy. Over the year, volunteers have met every week to learn new techniques, research old Christmas traditions, and share their creative talents, all while forging new friendships. The room hums with laughter, conversations, and the quiet satisfaction of crafting something beautiful by hand.

Each piece of decoration tells a story—a paper angel reminiscent of Victorian Christmas trees or a citrus ornament that captures the fragrant spirit of yesteryear. These timeless decorations will soon grace Como House, bringing history to life.

Experience Victorian-Inspired Christmas Crafting at Como House

This year, we are excited to extend a special invitation to the public, offering you the chance to experience the joy of Christmas crafting at Como House. On two special open days, the 24th of November and 15th of December, visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the magic of a Victorian Christmas and craft their own keepsakes to take home.

During these sessions, you will step into Como House, beautifully decorated with the creations of our volunteers and objects of interest from the National Trust Collection. As you walk through the house, you will be transported back to an era when Christmas was celebrated with handmade, heartfelt gifts and decorations. And in the spirit of these traditions, you will have the chance to sit down, get creative, and make your own Christmas treasures.

Sustainable and Timeless Christmas Decorations for All Ages

Whether you are an experienced crafter or a complete beginner, there is something for everyone at our open days. Our volunteers will guide you through a variety of Christmas crafts, inspired by traditional methods but with a contemporary twist. Some of the activities on offer include:

• Paper Chains: Learn how to make these simple but charming decorations, perfect for draping around your home or Christmas tree. This traditional craft is great for both kids and adults, and it is a sustainable way to add a bit of vintage flair to your festive décor.
• Fold a Paper Angel: Delicate paper angels once graced Christmas trees during the Victorian era. Learn the art of folding these simple yet elegant decorations that you can hang on your tree or use as gift toppers.
• Citrus Ornaments: These beautiful, fragrant decorations not only look stunning but also fill your home with the natural scent of dried oranges or lemons. You will learn how to craft these timeless decorations, which can be used year after year.
• Wreath Making: Nothing says Christmas quite like a wreath on the front door. Our volunteers will show you how to create your own unique wreath using a variety of materials, including foliage sourced from our gardens and dried nuts.

The Joy and Tradition of Handmade Christmas Gifts

By creating these decorations, you are not only embracing the nostalgia of Christmas past but also making a sustainable choice. Handmade items, crafted from natural or recycled materials, are a wonderful way to reduce waste during the holiday season and bring a personal, heartfelt touch to your home. Crafting is also a way to connect with others and pass down traditions from one generation to the next. Our volunteers are keen to teach the techniques they have learned, ensuring that these age-old traditions continue to thrive in the modern world.

In a world of mass-produced goods that often dominate the holiday season, our crafting sessions offer a refreshing alternative. Handmade decorations carry the beauty of craftsmanship and reflect a commitment to sustainability. Imagine sitting down with your family, just as our volunteers do, to create beautiful Christmas decorations that will be cherished for years to come. It is a tradition that not only fills your home with joy but also creates memories that last a lifetime.

Whether you are looking to learn a new skill or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere, we look forward to sharing the joy of Christmas, past and present, at Como House.

Written by Kate Drummond, NTAV Volunteer Manager.

This article originially appeared in the Spring/Summer 2024 Member Magazine. Become a member today to recieve our Member Magazine three times per year.