Its the most wonderful time of the year… I can’t remember a year that I’ve been more in the spirit with carols bursting from my lips- we don’t even turn on the radio in the car anymore; we just start singing Christmas songs, its kind of silly. From collecting bows of evergreen to make wreaths and garlands, bringing in a neglected fir sapling to decorate for a Christmas tree to late night gift making and cookie baking.

Ceceilia, I know, is the main cause for this profuse merriment and sentimentality that has swept over the farm. Though this may not be a memorable Christmas for her, it certainly will be for us.  In short, we’ve been having a lot of fun and we can’t wait for Christmas morning to unfold.  Whatever your traditions this time of year, we hope you are enjoying them and valuing the loving spirit that goes into them.

There really is something special about this time of year. The closing of a season, the ever shortening visit of the sun’s light and warmth on our days forcing us to retreat inside.  The past month (besides holiday merry making), we have been reflecting on the season, the farm and our own roles as farmer’s both here and in the greater community.

Our contemplations have lead to incubations of many creative and practical  ideas for the new year. In fact throughout the winter season we like to do our homework, reading, attending lectures and conferences on farming like the PASA conference in February.  That’s part of what I like about winter; there is time to meet up and talk and time to just plain think.  We are hoping to meet up with all our CSA groups this winter to mingle and share ideas and concerns for the upcoming 2012 season.  So be sure to check your email for an invitation to a winter CSA meeting!

Also a reminder that the Winter Market will be open this Saturday, Christmas Eve Day, for all your last minute Holiday Feast Fixins, there are also a lot of great gifts available, knitwear, yarn, homemade soaps, maple syrups and lots of sweet treats to stuff stockings. And don’t forget a CSA share makes a great gift for the  family and friends, its truly the gift that keeps on giving!