From a few feet away, it is not easy to figure out what some of the wreaths at the Wreath Interpretations exhibition are made from.

For instance, one is made from crumpled up Mylar balloons, plus various other items found at Rockaway Beach and other city parks. It was crafted by Sunny Corrao and the team at the city's Department of Parks and Recreation's Wildlife Unit.

"I'm so excited that our team can showcase a beautiful use of recycled materials, as well as getting the message out there that we need to keep our New York City parks and our outdoor spaces clean," Corrao said.

It's all part of the 40th Wreath Interpretations exhibition at the Arsenal Gallery at the city's Department of Parks and Recreation's headquarters in Central Park.

There are 36 wreaths on display this year — some more traditional, others not traditional at all. They are made with items ranging from safety pins to rulers — and sponges to school supplies.

"I think the more unusual, the better. It really gets people thinking. It looks like one thing and you look at it, and it's something else," Elizabeth Masella, the curator of Wreath Interpretations, said.

The Parks Department has an annual open call in October for submissions for this holiday tradition. Masella says a spot on the walls of the gallery is a coveted one.

"We usually get about 60 to 80 submissions every year with room for about 30 to 35, so it is pretty competitive," Masella said.

Many of the wreaths are for sale with a portion of the proceeds going to the Arsenal Gallery and other public art programming in parks across the city. They will be on display at the gallery through Dec. 30, and admission is free.