Fa la la 2024!

It’s that time of year when Santa comes down the chimney, lights cover trees, tractors, and a big star lights our barn! The holiday season has arrived. Everyone may celebrate differently, but I thought I’d share some of what makes me jolly!

Holiday Prep

When possible, I like to complete shopping early, get the tree up and decorate to enjoy the twinkle of the Christmas lights from Thanksgiving on. With presents mostly ordered, and some wrapped, I can get onto my favorite things, the fa la la!

Celebrate with friends!

My friend Linda came for Thanksgiving, and we gathered with my sister-in-law Debbie for a bit of camaraderie. We ate lunch at the Oak Hills Country Club & Winery in Girard, sat in front of the fireplace, and visited. Together the three of us celebrate 40 plus years of friendship! Are you able to make time to meet with a friend during the holidays?

My friend Jane and I usually find a day somewhere between Thanksgiving and New Years to head to Red Lobster and tell family stories and reminisce. Jane has been my editor, co-writer, and good friend over the years. This teacher imbibes the spirit of faith and enriches mine every time we meet.

This weekend, Janna and I will do something we have been doing for the last few years. Enjoy an experience. This year that will be a tea in Taylorville, Illinois. How fun to find something so near, to support the local economy, and tip a teacup.

New Holiday Finds

I have found some new places locally to enjoy lately. My friend Sandy and I visited the American Giants Museum in Atlanta, Illinois where we saw Muffler Men, a Route 66 tradition.

We also toured the beautiful Brinkerhoff Mansion which will both appear in the January issue of Senior News & Times.

A little ag!

In Atlanta I even found a bit of tractor fun. My friend Sara says if there is a tractor around, I will find it.

Keith and I had the chance to interview Frank Gisler, an amazing Oliver tractor collector recently. These stops these stories make our days and let us realize how blessed we are to share their stories!

Local Traditions

My husband and I love to take whatever family member, my mom, daughters, or grandchildren we to see the light festivals in both Chatham and Taylorville. This year I hope to add in Jacksonville as well! In years past, we enjoyed walking through Henson Robinson Zoo lights.

Keith and I love to go the downtown Springfield with Mark and Kelli, and Debbie and Craig and see the Capital City dressed in holiday decor. The Dana Thomas House and Old State Capital are amazing, and dining downtown is festive. What fun!

Tried and True

Keith and I also, when possible, head to the beautiful Amana Colonies where we love the holiday pre-lude to Christmas. This year we are staying in the Hotel Millwright, a former woolen mill mentioned in my Agricultural Treasures Guidebook. Amana is a Hallmark Christmas Card come to life.

Downtown Chicago is a glittering gem that this year is calling. Linda and I are going to high tea, the Walnut Room, and the Christkindlmarkt! Is there anything better than taking the train for the country girl to see a bit of the city lights?

Then a concert, John Barry crooning his Christmas tunes will top it off. Best of all though is sitting in the living room with family, sharing the joy of Jesus birth, and having a day to be together. None of these festivities matter without that. Faith, family and then fun fills me. Missing those that have gone, and taking time to remember how they enriched our lives makes me offer up a prayer for those grieving or sad during the season. I realize it is not glorious for all because each and every one of us have sadness, loss, and longings that go hand in and with the season.

How do you celebrate Christmas, or the holiday of your faith? I’d love to know. Merry Christmas to you and yours, may you find the Fa La La this season.