Christmas On The Farm, December 21, 2020

     This was a busy time of the year for our Family farm of the 1930's and 40's.. Fresh turkeys were our Holiday seasonal "crop". It was a team effort of cleaning and delivering them right up to the the last minute. Dad loaded them into the pick up truck and Mom took them right to the front door in the nearby town.

     In the evening of December 24th after all barn chores were done and now nearly dark, either brother Bill or I hiked to the neighboring farm where evergreen trees were growing and with an axe in hand found a tree for us. Unlike today's tree farming, these were often crooked and anything but perfect. At last I would cut one and drag it over the fields to set up in our living room.

     It was always placed in the same corner in a container filled with water to keep it fresh. Now the boxes of light bulbs and ornaments brought down from the third floor attic by Mom and sister Peggy were unpacked and excitedly placed upon the tree. It took some time to check all the electric bulbs and replace those burned out. The decorative ornaments were quite old looking, very fragile, but to us had a beauty all their own. 

     On Christmas morning, the warm glow of thankfulness, a fresh orange and English walnuts in the stocking reminded us that we were all safe and happy.

Onion Snow

I recall Mom and Dad talking about the "onion snow". It came at a time when Spring was just around the corner, but it was really too cold to plant much of anything. The snow was usually light and often melted very quickly. It became the basis for much conversation as to whether Spring had almost arrived. The term "Onion Snow" is particular to the state of Pennsylvania originated by the Pennsylvania Dutch culture and language, and refers to a snowfall that occurs after the spring onions have been planted, and comes right as they are sprouting. For me, it meant that the cold days of winter were almost gone and thankfully no more snow to shovel and trudge through while doing my farm chores.