The ladies of the village are getting together to create Adventsgesteck (Christmas arrangements), something i haven't tried my hand at yet, so i'm happy to volunteer some time...

It's hectic inside the Church, where the ladies have gathered to create the arrangements. They're all professional - have been doing it for years. I watch for a few minutes to get my bearings - they know exactly what to do: In a matter of minutes - candles, hot glue, plastic wire, glittery balls, some greens get transformed into centrepieces in their deft hands.

While a part of me is in awe of these women, something doesn't feel right -- i feel we can do away with all this glittery, plastic stuff -- we don't need to burden Mother Earth with unnecessary waste just because it's Christmas. Having a cat and our own vegetable garden have made me more aware of Nature. I decide to use only natural materials except for the mandatory candle-holders (to prevent fire accidents). The hot-glue, metallic wires and plastic glittery stuff I set aside and with bare branches, some greens, holly, pine cones, moss, dried berries, fruits and jute strings - slowly i make a couple of Nature inspired advent decorations.

What I create is small compared to the other ladies, but I'm happy that they're perhaps just festive enough for the holidays, and at the same time subtle enough to display all winter long. And in early spring, they can be brought back to the woods where they will naturally biodegrade.