A Handmade Christmas: Slices of Sunshine & Stories
Ashley Evans
There’s something quietly magical about Christmastime—the way the world slows down just enough for us to notice the small things. The scent of clove and citrus lingering in the kitchen. The way a single ornament can hold an entire memory. The soft glow of traditions passed through hands before ours.
This year, the heart of the season feels stitched together in the most simple, beautiful way: by drying orange slices in the oven—tiny suns you can hang on your tree, string across your mantle, or tie to a handmade gift. There’s a sweetness in making something so old-fashioned and simple, something our grandmothers might’ve done without even thinking, filling their homes with warmth and the scent of winter fruit.
As the oranges dry, the house hums with that cozy holiday magic—like time itself slows to watch. It’s a small ritual, but one that feels grounding, nostalgic, and wonderfully human. Handmade decorations remind us that Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect or polished; it needs to be felt. And nothing feels more heartfelt than a tree dressed in something you made with your own hands.
How to Make Oven-Dried Orange Slices (For Garlands, Ornaments, & Magic)
You’ll need:
– 3–5 oranges (any kind)
– A sharp knife
– Paper towels
– Baking sheet + parchment paper
– A bit of patience and holiday spirit
1. Slice the oranges.
Cut them into thin slices—about 1/8–1/4 inch. Thinner slices dry faster and become more translucent, like stained-glass sunshine.
2. Pat them dry.
Use a paper towel to blot away extra juice. The more moisture removed now, the faster they’ll dry.
3. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Give them a little space—no overlapping slices. They need room to breathe.
4. Bake low & slow.
Pop them in the oven at 200°F (93°C).
Bake for 3–4 hours, flipping every hour to keep them from curling.
They’re ready when:
– the flesh looks dry
– the edges feel firm
– no visible moisture sits on the surface
5. Cool completely.
This lets them finish drying and become beautifully translucent.
6. Decorate!
Use twine, ribbon, or wire to turn them into:
– ornaments
– garlands
– gift toppers
– simmer-pot ingredients
– wreath accents
– table setting magic
Add cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, cranberries, or star anise if you want your décor to smell like the coziest Christmas kitchen.
A Little Christmas Thought to Tie It All Together:
Drying oranges isn’t just a craft—it’s a pause, a breath, a soft reminder that handmade things carry heart. When you decorate with pieces you’ve touched, created, laughed over, and waited for, your home becomes more than festive—it becomes yours. Warm, imperfect, and filled with stories.