Sixty Seconds with Judi

This week my family picked out the perfect tree. It was a little earlier than usual for us; I wanted my son who was home from college to be a part of the celebration since he won’t be home until Christmas eve.  Our tree is beautiful. Perfectly placed in the corner and adorned with lights that my boys put on for me. Nevertheless, Alex needed to get back to school and Aidan went off to his room to study for finals and I was left to decorate the tree.

I waited for my Sunday off, put a fire in the fireplace, put some Christmas music on through-out the house and placed my first batches of Christmas cookies in the oven. The stage was set and I began to rifle through the old box of ornaments.

What I found this year took me on a journey of not just Christmases past but, people and places that I had not really thought of in a long time.

Almost every ornament was a special treasure. Of course there are the special Popsicle-stick stars my boys made in preschool, along with the many sparkly pine cones and hand prints; each one holding a special memory of their childhood. After that, I found the ornaments that we purchased from places we would vacation; each bringing a memory of a happy time our family spent together.

But, what really pulled on my heart-strings were the ornaments I found from friends and family. Some of who are long gone; others who I have not seen in years. Each one bringing back a memory so warm and so special that I wanted each of them to be honored front and center on my tree. It may sound silly, but it was my way of thanking each of them for being a part of my life.

This may not be as dramatic as a Dickens Christmas past, but it is my story on a tree and what a wonderful story it is.  Start your own Christmas story at Linvilla Orchards

Cut Your Own Trees  9AM to 4PM

Enjoy a hayride out to the orchards to cut down your own tree.   Once you cut your own tree down (we supply the saw) we will haul it back for you, shake it, rope it up and even tie it to your car for you.  After your hayride back from the fields enjoy a campfire where you can roast some marshmallows.  **Last hayride departs promptly at 4pm**

Fresh Wreath Making Class  Saturday and Sunday’s in December/ 10AM to 11AM amd Wednesday Evenings at 4:30pm

Make an elegant wreath and fill your home with the scent of fresh pine. Let our talented Garden Center Staff guide you through making your own beautiful wreath for the holidays. Greens and Frame included in cost. Please call to register 610-876-7116. Fee $30

Build Your Own Terrarium/ Fairy Garden Class  Saturday, Dec 10th / 11:30AM to 12:30PM

This is one of our more popular classes. We supply everything you need to build your own beautiful terrarium. You can choose from a variety of containers and plants and our knowledgeable staff will guide you through the whole process.   Fairy Garden pieces are sold extra.  Call ahead to register for class 610-876-7116 Fee $35

Caroling Hayrides  Saturday, Dec 10th / 5PM to 5:30PM and again from 6:00PM to 6:30PM

Celebrate the ancient tradition of Wassailing and sing Christmas Carols around a campfire.  Roast marshmallows and enjoy delicious apple cider.  One hayride will depart at 5pm & another at 6:30pm.