And when the 4th candle burns…

The Advent season is now drawing to a close. In a few days Christmas will be here and preparations are in full swing.

And it’s not only us humans who celebrate here at Zittrauerhof, but the animals too. So it’s our tradition that the children’s barn is also decorated and its own Christmas tree is set up. So during the Christmas season the entire farm is in the Christmas spirit.

And just as there is the tradition of decorating the barn, there are many more. In many families someone drives off to buy a tree so they can set it up. But with us it’s a little different. Grandpa goes into our forest with the children. So on Saturday they set off to find, fell, and set up the perfect Christmas tree. Of course you only do that to save the Christkind work, 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. Well, actually they are still with us, because in our minds they live on.

And Christmas Eve in particular is shaped by traditions and rituals. 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 incensing. So we go through the farmhouse, barn, and across the farm and incense with herbs and frankincense to drive away evil spirits, to banish sickness and misfortune from the farm. We fill stove embers into a large incense pan and put frankincense on it. On the Raunächt evenings (24.12., 31.12., and 5.1.) no fresh laundry hangs on the floor either.

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 lovely Christmas holidays and that everyone gets what they deserve and what they really wished for from the Christkind. A warm handshake, a hug, understanding, laughter, having the family together, and gifts chosen with heart.

Your farmer Katharina