The scent of Christmas is in the air…

The fourth candle on the Advent wreath was lit a week ago and the Christmas holidays are just around the corner. The Christmas spirit has arrived and preparations have been running at full speed for everyone.

Not only we humans at Zittrauerhof celebrate Christmas here – the animals do too. So it is our tradition that the children’s barn is also decorated and a separate Christmas tree is set up for our animal farm residents. This waythe Christmas spirit spreads into every little corner of our farm.

And just as we have the tradition of decorating the barn, there are many more. It is our custom that Grandpa drives into the forest with the children to find, fell, and set up the perfect Christmas tree. Of course, you only do that to save the Christ Child some work – after all, it already has enough to do and doesn’t need to worry about a tree as well!

And when the time comes, when Christmas Eve is at the door, peace and quiet settle over the farm. You reflect on what is essential in life and remember once more those who are no longer with us.

Christmas Eve in particular is shaped by traditions and rituals that everyone here on the farm knows. In one of my first posts I wrote about the hereditary farm, and that we have made it our mission to keep old traditions and customs alive. And so we also continue the tradition of incense smoking. We walk through the farmhouse, barn, and across the yard and smoke with herbs and incense to drive away evil spirits and banish illness and misfortune from the farm. We fill stove embers into a large incense pan and add frankincense to it.

It is an ancient custom and an important ritual for us during the Christmas season.

And now I would like to wish all readers and dear regular guests who read the farm stories particularly beautiful Christmas holidays, and may everyone receive what they deserve and truly wished for from the Christ Child. A warm handshake, a hug, understanding, laughter, having the family together, and gifts chosen with heart.

Your farmer Katharina