If you’ve been itching for something altogether different this Christmas, try this: instructions on how to make a Hawaiian-style Advent wreath, from the Hawaii Catholic Herald:

Materials you’ll need:

+ Greenery from a Norfolk Pine, Ironwood, or other local evergreen, or any hardy plants found in your backyard or neighborhood such as eucalyptus or ferns
+ Artificial or real “local” flowers, such as the plastic anthuriums used here
+ Artificial or real (if you can find them) holly berries and leaves
+ A wreath base, like the twisted reed Christmas wreath frame used here
+ Raffia
+ Green pipe cleaners
+ A decorative plate
+ Four candles, three purple and one pink, thick enough in diameter to stand on their own
+ Scissors
+ Wire cutters

Now, just follow the instructions, and good luck.

Photo: by Anna Weaver, Hawaii Catholic Herald