A CURIOUS CHRISTMAS: CANDLES, POMANDERS & WINTER FOLKLORE

Festive plants, natural history and traditional crafts

Join The Curious Naturalist for a cosy, beginner-friendly Christmas workshop exploring the plants, scents and seasonal traditions woven through our festive celebrations.

Led by naturalist and palaeobotanist Dr Amy Wyatt, this relaxed afternoon brings together natural history, plant science, traditional folklore and hands-on making. It is designed for anyone curious about why certain plants, fruits, spices and natural materials have become so closely associated with Christmas and midwinter.

Together, we will explore the natural history behind some of our best-known festive traditions. Why do we bring evergreen plants into our homes during winter? How do holly, ivy and conifers survive the colder months? Why did oranges, cloves and aromatic spices become associated with Christmas? Why have candles and fire held such importance during the darkest part of the year?

We will look at how evergreen plants are adapted to survive winter, including the structures that help them conserve water and continue photosynthesising when many other plants are dormant. We will also explore the natural compounds responsible for the scents of citrus fruits, cloves, herbs and spices and consider how aroma is detected by the body and connected to memory, mood and seasonal experience.

Alongside the science, we will explore the folklore and traditional symbolism associated with evergreens, candles, oranges, herbs and warming spices. We will consider how these traditions have developed and changed over time, while separating historical customs and folklore from modern interpretations.

During the workshop, you will make your own rolled beeswax candle and select herbs connected to traditional qualities such as peace, remembrance, warmth, resilience and new beginnings.

The herbs will be used to create a removable decorative bundle or symbolic label for your candle. All plant material and decoration must be removed before the candle is lit.

You will also create your own fragrant orange and clove pomander, choosing your pattern and finishing decorations. As you work, we will explore the plants behind the craft, including the structure of citrus peel, the aromatic oils found in oranges and cloves and why these scents are so strongly associated with winter.

This workshop offers a welcoming opportunity to slow down during the festive season, discover the nature hidden within Christmas traditions and create two handmade items to take home.

What’s included

• An exploration of the natural history behind Christmas traditions
• A look at how evergreen plants survive winter
• An introduction to the aromatic compounds found in citrus fruits, herbs and spices
• An exploration of the folklore associated with candles, evergreens, oranges and cloves
• Guidance on choosing herbs through traditional symbolism and personal meaning
• Step-by-step guidance to make a rolled beeswax candle
• Step-by-step guidance to make an orange and clove pomander
• All ingredients, craft materials and equipment
• Your completed candle and pomander to take home

Event details

Date: Sunday 13th December 2026
Time: 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Location: Kenny's Vinyl Vault, 21 Church Street, Abertillery, Wales, NP13 1DB
Price: £25
Experience level: Beginner friendly — no prior experience needed

Who is this workshop for?

This workshop is suitable for complete beginners. You do not need any previous experience with candle making, folklore, plant science or natural crafts.

It is ideal for anyone interested in:

• Christmas traditions
• Natural history
• Festive plants and spices
• Winter folklore
• Candles and natural decorations
• Plant symbolism
• Botanical scents
• Handmade Christmas crafts
• Nature connection
• Cosy, creative workshops

What will I make?

You will make two festive items to take home:

• A rolled beeswax candle with a removable herbal decoration or symbolic label
• A fragrant orange and clove pomander

You will be able to personalise both creations by choosing your own patterns, decorations and herbs.

The exact herbs and natural materials available may vary depending on seasonal availability.

What do I need to bring?

You do not need to bring anything. All materials and equipment will be provided.

You may wish to bring a notebook if you enjoy taking notes or recording the plants and meanings you choose.

Crafting can occasionally be a little messy, so you may prefer to wear clothing that you are comfortable working in.

Important information

This workshop is for educational, creative and reflective purposes only. It explores natural history, folklore, symbolism and festive traditions and does not make any spiritual, medical or protective guarantees.

The candle is a decorative craft item but can be burned safely once all herbs, twine, labels, ribbons and other decorative materials have been completely removed.

Candles must always be placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface, kept away from flammable materials, children and pets and never left burning unattended.

The pomander is decorative and is not intended for consumption.

Cloves, citrus fruits, herbs, beeswax and other fragranced materials will be used during the workshop. Please get in touch before booking if you have any allergies, fragrance sensitivities or access needs and I will do my best to support you.

Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled.

If you can no longer attend, you are welcome to transfer your ticket to another person or move your booking to another available Curious Naturalist workshop. Transfers are subject to availability, so please get in touch as soon as possible if you need to change your booking.

Location

Kenny's Vinyl Vault, 21 Church Street, Abertillery, Wales, NP13 1DB