Here, I could criss cross them over newly planted or tender plants to shed some winter wet, but I suspect you have more cold than wet.

You wouldn't need to be crafty to try preserving some for holiday use. Fill a clean, tall, glass or plastic container with one part glycerine to two parts water, mix well. Not spoonfuls, cupfulls so you have a decent amount of liquid.

Smash the bottom of the woody stems with a hammer, remove any foliage that would be submerged in the liquid. Stand the branches in the container and leave about 10 days, most of the liquid will be gone. Your greens will have taken up most of the glycerine and stay pliable and pretty for your mantel, wreaths, placement in a dry vase. Store in boxes away from light or excessive moisture.