Crafting Holiday Decorations with Galax Leaves

A Blue Ridge Christmas isn’t complete without a touch of local greenery. For generations, one plant has stood out—galax leaves. These glossy, evergreen leaves are as much a part of Appalachian culture as they are of the landscape, with their dark, sturdy leaves that last long past the winter frost. When winter arrives and the holidays roll around, galax leaves find their way into wreaths, garlands, and festive decorations. Their deep color and resilience make them the perfect addition to the holiday season in this part of the world.

From Forest Floor to Holiday Door

The story of galax leaves as a Christmas staple returns us to an era when folks in the mountains relied heavily upon nature’s bounty for food and some extra income. The leaves, which grow close to the ground and are thick enough to withstand winter’s chill, were easy to gather and transport.

In the early 20th century, families across the Blue Ridge would head out to collect bundles of galax leaves for their decorating needs and to sell them to florists and markets outside the area. The extra cash made a big difference during the lean winter months. Families would head to the woods, often with the younger kids tagging along to help gather the leaves. It was part of the rhythm of winter, with the gathered leaves bundled and sent off to distant cities, where florists would include them in arrangements and wreaths.

The practice became so widespread that it spawned the name of the town. Initially known as Bonaparte, the town fathers renamed the town Galax in honor of this dynamic cottage industry.

Galax Leaves in Traditional Christmas Decorations

Walk into a holiday market in the Blue Ridge, and you’ll see galax leaves woven into decorations that exude a rustic charm only found in mountain crafts. The leaves are perfect for wreaths and garlands because they’re sturdy, hold their color, and have a waxy coating that keeps them fresh for weeks. Whereas holly and mistletoe might last a week to ten days before wilting, galax leaves stand firm, even in dry indoor heat.

Crafting holiday decor with galax leaves is a tradition in itself. While most of the wreaths you see today might be pre-made, many mountain folk still make their own, combining galax with sprigs of pine or berries to give it a festive look. It’s practical, too—when fresh greenery is close at hand, you don’t need to buy expensive decorations. Some families have been making the same style of wreaths and garlands for years, handing down tips on arranging the leaves for the best look or keeping the decorations fresh through January.

Finding Galax Leaves

But where do you find galax leaves to make your decor? You have several choices:

• If you’re adventurous, you can pick them yourself; they are abundant in the Blue Ridge Mountains. But a word of caution: the U.S. Forest Service has restrictions for picking on public lands. Check with a local Forest Service office before venturing out.
• Most of the galax leaves you will find are on private land. But sometimes, it’s hard to know who the landowner is. So watch for “no trespassing” signs, and always ask permission if you can.
• Buy from a retailer. Check locally or find them online—search for “buy galax leaves,” and you’ll get pages of results.

Crafting Holiday Decorations

If you’re feeling inspired, crafting with galax leaves is straightforward enough for beginners. Many holiday fairs around the Blue Ridge offer workshops where you can learn how to make a wreath from scratch. At these events, locals share their techniques, teaching newcomers how to weave the leaves and add other natural elements like pine cones or berries for extra flair. It’s a hands-on way to connect with the region’s holiday customs, and you’ll end up with a piece of decor that’s entirely your own. If you can’t find a local class, craft retailers Michaels and Hobby Lobby offer online “Do It Yourself” videos. They also offer wreath hoops and other crafting supplies.

For those who prefer the ready-made route, local markets and holiday fairs—like the annual bazaar at Galax’s Old Time Appalachian Christmas Festival— are the best places to find pre-made galax leaf decorations. Some artisans sell galax leaf crafts both in-person and online.

A Timeless Holiday Tradition from the Heart of the Blue Ridge

In the end, galax leaves are more than just holiday decorations—they’re a reminder of the Blue Ridge’s enduring connection to the land. Families have gathered these glossy green leaves for decades, and their resilience reflects the mountain communities that rely on them. You’re not just adding to your holiday decor when you hang a galax wreath or string up a garland. You’re embracing a small piece of Appalachian heritage that speaks to the mountains’ beauty, resourcefulness, and spirit at Christmas.

So, watch for these distinctive decorations next time you’re in the Blue Ridge during the holiday season. Whether crafted by hand or picked up at a market, galax leaves carry a piece of the mountains with them, bringing a bit of that highland magic into homes near and far.

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Wayne Jordan is a Galax-based writer and storyteller. His Scots-Irish ancestors settled in the Blue Ridge Mountains in 1760, and he has deep roots there. The author of four books, Wayne is a retired Senior Editor for WorthPoint Corporation, a long-time columnist for Kovels Antique Trader Magazine, and a contributor to regional newspapers and travel publications. He blogs at BlueRidgeTales.com.