Christmas is my favorite time of year. I love the smell of the fresh Christmas tree and the aroma of cookies baking, the sight of kids anticipating what might be behind the wrapping paper and the sounds of Christmas music coming through the stereo. ‘The Christmas Collection’ by Frank Sinatra, ‘Merry Christmas’ by Bing Crosby, ‘A Swingin’ Christmas’ by Tony Bennett, ‘The Andy Williams Christmas Album’ and ‘The Joy of Christmas’ by Leonard Bernstein, have been on constant rotation in my home since Thanksgiving.
The Pettis Family Christmas tree this year came from Greenbriar Creek Tree Farm on old Bishop Road in Bishop. The extremely helpful and friendly staff maintains many nice field grown trees as well as imported firs from North Carolina. Their prices were fair and the rustic little farmhouse where they do business is quite charming.
Our Christmas cactus is blooming now. It has magenta colored flowers and flat succulent leaves. The plant requires little care and has been a great houseplant. If you want to get yourself one, check out the local garden centers after the holidays for the best deal.
Christmas dinner this year will include fresh greens from garden. Our lettuces, chards, spinach and other cool season leafy greens are ready to harvest. We will make a big tossed salad with the lettuce and sauté the chard and spinach in butter, garlic and salt.
Well, now it is off to make the final Christmas preparations. I hope that you and yours have a Merry Christmas! Thanks to all of you Oconee County residents for making Oconee Patch so successful in 2011. Here’s to 2012…cheers!
