Highlight: It is now the time of prayer and preparation for Christmas. We call it Advent. Here at Serendipity Farmhouse, we strive to make each Advent more meaningful than the last. That is a difficult task because TV and the other media would have you think that now is the time to party. We prefer to live in the Advent spirit; the TV is off; the Nativity scene is on display; the Wise Men are making their way to Bethlehem; the manger will remain empty until Christmas Eve.

Despite all our defenses against the troubling demands of the world, we still can feel some of the tension, anxiety, and stress of the “Holiday Season”. It is unwelcome, yet it is there.

Humor is a good way to rid oneself of tension and stress. In years past, our family had several traditions such as Kriskindl. We added our own variations. Old Kris was known to leave walnuts under pillows and pieces of candy in shoes. You never knew until Christmas Eve who your Kriskindl was.

Now that the children are grown and it’s only the two of us, there would be no way to keep the secret. Even Mr. Monte would be smart enough to know that Blondie was putting cat snacks next to his bowl. So, this year, we have switched to the Elf on the Shelf.

The first night, I read the story to my beautiful spouse and Mr. Monte. We all heard the rules and then we decided on some adaptions. Then, the game was afoot!

Our elf’s name is Clyde. Not because the book mentioned that name, but for a private reason that all in the family are well aware. Well, let me tell you, Clyde is an elusive and aggravating little guy. He has shown up in the most unusual places. Wife will find a clever hiding spot then laugh at me while I beg for a hint. Then, I will hide Clyde in an even more clever spot and wife will complain that I broke the rules or that I put him up too high, where she wouldn’t look.

Mr. Monte sits quietly through all of this and says but one thing, “Put that little twerp just a little lower where I can get to him. I have exquisite plans for his demise!”

And so it goes. Tension is relieved. There is laughter and lightheartedness. And then, we return to prayer and recollection. There is no need for Christmas to come too soon!

Weather:  (For details of Sperryville, VA weather in November 2018 – click here.)

2018-12-04: High/Low – 45º/32º

2018-12-05: High/Low – 34º/30º

2018-12-06: High/Low – 41º/32º

2018-12-07: High/Low – 39º/32º

Plantings: Reporting suspended until the first planting of 2019.

Harvest: Reporting suspended until the first harvest of 2019.