This activity is taken from the Advent NotebookThis calendar features 24 simple and easy family activities for each day in December. Create it at home and experience the magic of winter in a new way, with gentleness, creativity, and a connection to nature.
A scent of winter and nature in the house
Nothing evokes the warmth of the holidays and winter quite like the scent of citrus and spices in the house. Making dried orange slices is a simple, economical, and eco-friendly activity that transforms your home into a cozy haven.
It is also an ideal moment to share with children: they observe, cut (with help), smell, manipulate and discover the magic of nature slowly transforming
Why choose dried orange slices?
A natural and sustainable decoration
Dried oranges are a wonderful alternative to the synthetic decorations often thrown away after the holidays. They are biodegradable, economical, and 100% natural. You can hang them, place them on a table, string them into a garland, or even give them as gifts.
Their golden hue and light fragrance create an atmosphere that is both rustic and poetic.
A sensory activity for children
Children love to participate: cutting, watching the color change, smelling the sweet scent that fills the room. It’s a gentle way to develop fine motor skills and nurture their natural curiosity .
When to dry oranges?
The ideal time to do this activity is in the fall or winter. Dried orange slices
are a wonderful addition to holiday preparations, but they can also decorate the home throughout the colder months.
Tip: Keep slightly damaged or beginning-to-soften oranges — they will be perfect for this zero-waste activity.
How to dry oranges?
Materials needed
- 2 or 3 oranges
- A sharp knife (or a mandoline)
- A plate and parchment paper (Here are the ones I use)
- An oven (or a dehydrator)
- Natural twine(hemp, jute or cotton)
- Optional spices: cinnamon, cloves, star anise
Preparation steps
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C).
- Cut the oranges into thin slices, about 0.5 cm thick.
- Blot up the excess juice with a cloth or absorbent paper.
- Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Leave to dry in the oven for about 2 to 3 hours, turning them over every 30 minutes.
- Sensory option: lightly sprinkle with cinnamon or add a star anise to the center before baking.
- Allow to cool completely before handling.
The orange slices should be dry and slightly translucent . If they are still sticking, continue cooking at a low temperature for a little longer.
How can they be used to decorate the home?
1. In a natural garland
Thread the orange slices onto a string or jute twine.
You can add cinnamon sticks, star anise, or pine cones for a festive touch.
2. As Christmas tree decorations
Dried orange slices replace plastic balls, adding a rustic and poetic charm.
Simply attach them with string or a small metal hook.
3. As a centerpiece
Arrange them in a large glass bowl with pinecones, fir branches, and cinnamon sticks.
The visual and olfactory combination is soothing and invites you to slow down.
The benefits of this environmentally friendly activity
- Reuse what you already have : overripe fruit, leftover oranges.
- Awakens the senses : smell, texture, observation of change.
- It conveys ecological values : simplicity, recycling, nature.
- Promotes calm : gentle activity, perfect for cold days.
You can also combine this activity with other natural creations such as making a seed bell for birds , or an eco-friendly Advent calendar to extend the magic.
This activity can also be found in the Advent booklet! Click here for the link .
Bonus tip: preserve your dried orange slices
To keep them for several months:
- Store them in an airtight glass jar.
- Add a small bag of rice to absorb the moisture.
- Keep them away from direct sunlight.
If they become dull, put them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes to restore their shine and fragrance.
Recommended external link:
Natural preservation tips – PasseportSanté
Making dried orange slices is more than just a craft project: it’s an invitation to slow down, feel, create, and share .
This activity embodies the spirit of winter: simplicity, warmth, and the beauty of handmade items. To discover moreClick here.
By hanging them in the window, giving them as gifts or placing them on the table, you bring a piece of sunshine and nature into your home.
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