Oakville Farm Daylily Blog

There is a privacy about it which no other season gives you.... In spring, summer and fall people sort of have an open season on each other; only in the winter, in the country, can you have longer, quiet stretches when you can savor belonging to yourself. ~Ruth Stout

Yes, this is a great time for reflection. Reflect on family gatherings and family traditions.

Yesterday, one person talked of a tradition at their Grandmother's house ... forcing tulips and daffodils in containers as a wintertime plant. They were forced in glass jars or ceramic containers or in a chipped bowl with rocks in the bottom, grown like the Paperwhites.

And someone spoke of going out in woods on their grandparents farm with Grandpa and he shooting mistletoe out of the trees. Taking the mistletoe inside, holding it over Grandmother's head and "planting a big one" on her cheek.


Yet another person said that she and her six siblings would go with their father in their old station wagon, ride down thru the woods and find the "perfect" cedar tree. It was cut down, thrown in the back of the car, drug in the house and covered with homemade ornaments. (Mind you, there were cuts/scratches on hands and arms) The tree would dry up, lose color and have to be discarded within a week. And that was "another road trip!!!


One story told about the Christmas tree that she and her children had, was outdoors. They made ornaments for the birds and placed them on the tree in front of the house. The kids would sit in the front window, looking out, watching the myriad of creatures in and around the tree.














And my favorite story was of the Mother who gave her seven children (all grown), underwear for Christmas. For eight years, she had given them underwear, socks, slips, t shirts. Then one year she gave a different gift and everyone was "sadly" surprised that did not receive undergarments. That was a laugh for all, Mother and children, and needless to say, undergarments have been back on the list ever since!

I hope you can remember something that was special to you and your family from years past. And certainly begin making new traditions, that will follow thru in years to come.

Just those little "remembrances" that will bring smiles to us all!

Hope you have a good day. And until next time, Happy Gardening.