TIP ZERO TWO

A simple and inexpensive way to celebrate Yule is to decorate with dried orange slices. This is an activity the entire family can enjoy together.

Why orange slices?

Yule honours the winter solstice, which is the longest night of the year. The solstice typically falls on the 21st or 22nd of December. Once the depths of this dark night have been endured, the light will return. The orange represents the sun and is symbolic of the promise of light. The fruit is hung around the home as a hopeful reminder of the joy and abundance we can look forward to. Sometimes these oranges are decorated with cloves or cinnamon to bring good luck and protection to the hearth.

Instructions

To dry the orange slices:

1. preheat the oven to 140°

2. cut an orange into slices of uniform thickness

3. place on greaseproof paper in the centre of the oven

4. after 30 minutes of baking, carefully flip the citrus pieces over

5. allow to bake for another 30 minutes

When they have cooled, it is traditional to thread the slices with string and add herbs or spices.

As mentioned above, cloves and cinnamon are commonly used to decorate the hangings. You can push the cloves through the orange and they will hold in place. 

This year, I didn't have cloves available, so I substituted with cardamom seeds. I also took some fir foliage and juniper berries, pressing them gently into the fruit.

You can be as creative as you like and add whatever feels right to you. Foraging local flora around your home is perfect.

When the sunlight shines through them they are especially beautiful.Hang them from your tree, string them up as a garland or let them bask in light, as you tie them near your window.

Happy celebrating!