Christmas on the Farm

By Joan Tucker

Christmas on the Farm, hosted by the Waterloo Area Historical Society, recently marked its 27^th year.  Every first weekend of December, it’s the first holiday event I attend to put me in the Christmas Spirit.  For many years, with family, friends, or just alone, I enjoy the quiet, serene, winter setting of the farm, allowing me plenty of time to enjoy my surroundings and appreciate the festive decorations.

The grainery is my first stop.  Oh, the smell of fresh pine and cedar boughs are the best experience!  Picking out my annual wreath to hang on the garage and often something else that catches my eye is so satisfying.  The gnomes were too cute to resist this year.

Now, I have seen everything on this farm over the years, but I always head to the Really house.  It’s the best time to poke around and look at the things that interest me.   In the setting room, a simple, small Christmas tree and nativity scene catches the light of the neighboring window, adding to the festive mood. Next stop, the parlor, a formal room that shows off a beautiful organ and Victorian style Christmas tree.  This room lets me imagine the feeling of special occasions when the family came together.  Then I head upstairs, (not always open to the public) to look at the children’s and parents’ rooms.  This year I learned how the parents tightened the rope beds.  That’s where that expression “sleep tight” comes from.  Then, my favorite room of the house – the attic.  Wide plank floor boards and support beams always intrigue me, but it’s the junk that’s been collected that catches my attention.  Being an antique lover gives me pause to stop and examine old chairs, spinning wheels, various trunks, and tools.  If only these articles could talk!  What a history lesson we would get!  Taking the second staircase down puts me in the dining room.  The dulcimer music is delightful as I weave my way through the pantry to the kitchen.   Cooking on that old stove takes practice.  I had the opportunity to try it out and managed to fry onions and potatoes.

I think I am finished and start to head out, but I stop to admire the sleigh and old wagons.  So cool.  And then I see Santa visiting with families and checking on the children.  Yes, they have been good boys and girls.  Their excitement is palpable.

So next year, plan a visit to Christmas on the Farm at the farm museum to start your holiday spirit flowing.