Do the Animals Talk on Christmas Eve?

I have recently been told of the belief that the animals talk at midnight on Christmas Eve.  Never having heard this before, I started doing some research.

I came across a Little Golden Book (remember those?) which tells the story of the animals telling the nativity story.  I thought it very fitting and wonderful and wanted to share it with you as my Christmas gift.

May you all have a blessed Christmas.

The Animals' Christmas Eve

by Gale Wiersum

In the barn on Christmas Eve, after all the people leave,

The animals in voices low, remember Christmas long ago.

One small hen, upon her nest, softly clucks to all the rest:

"Little chicks, come gather near.  A wondrous story you will hear."

Two white doves, on rafters high, coo a quiet lullaby:

"Long ago in manger hay, the little Baby Jesus lay."

Three wise men from far away, came to visit Him one day.

"For He was born," the doves recall, "to be the greatest King of all!"

Four brown horses in their stalls, snug within the stable walls,

Tell of His birth:  "Twas long foretold, by chosen men in days of old."

Five gray donkeys speak with pride, remembering one who gave a ride.

"Our brother donkey went with them, from Nazareth to Bethlehem."

Six spotted calves now nibble hay, like that on which the Baby lay.

"They put Him in a manger bed, so He could rest His sleepy head."

Seven goats, all black and white, describe the sky that holy night:

"A star appeared at early morn, to mark the place where He was born."

Eight nestling kittens licked their fur.  They nod their heads and softly purr:

"And He was wrapped in swaddling clothes, to keep Him warm from head to toes."

Nine woolly sheep, down from the hill, on Christmas Eve, remember still:

"Shepherds heard the angels sing, praises to the newborn King."

Ten soft lambs say Jesus' name, "He was the Lamb of God who came.

He was the greatest gift of love, sent from His Father, God, above."

Eleven puppies listen well, in hopes that they, in turn, can tell

The Christmas story another year, for all the animals to hear.

Twelve chimes ring out from far away -- the lovely bells of Christmas Day.

And every beast bows low its head, for one small Babe in a manger bed.

And, yes, if you listen close, you'll hear the animals on our farm talk at midnight on Christmas Eve.

Merry Christmas.

Labor Day. To labor... or not.

Labor Day.  Typically known as a three-day weekend to hang out at the lake, have a get-together with friends in the backyard and grill up some burgers and brats and celebrate, well, doing nothing.
Hmm.
I imagine most of you know enough about me to know that I'm a farmer.  A milk maid.  A chicken whisperer.  A farm girl.

I think the whole celebration of Labor Day has taken quite a toll for change in the last several years.  At the onset of the day becoming a holiday, it was actually "to exhibit to the public 'the strength and  esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations',^[2] followed by a festival for the workers and their families."  Maybe not so much has changed, but I know there hasn't been a parade or a festival in our rural towns.

I wrote in this week's email newsletter about how I thought it was a bit ironic how many folks actually wanted to know what our plans were for the three-day Labor Day weekend.  As if I had a day off.  Apparently those asking don't know to what extent being a farm girl means for me.

Mind you, I'm not complaining or harping on those asking about our plans.  But, for farmers, who make their complete living on their farms, we generally aren't able to afford a holiday because the calendar says it's so.  And, not that we really require one, anyhow.  If you ask Cody, every day's a holiday.  Or is that a honeymoon, as he says?

Regardless, we do have daily chores and responsibilities that must be done, calendar holiday or not.  In fact, most every day is the same for us here on the ranch as far as what must be done, excluding Sundays, when we only do the necessary chores and devote the rest of the day to family, worship and rest.  But, the cows must be milked, chickens must be let out of their coops, all the GP guard dogs really like to be fed, eggs should be collected, herds need to be moved to fresh pasture, gardens and mushrooms must be watered and harvested or weeded... you get the idea.  And, yes, these are all things that are just in a day's chores, not the actual daily workload of running a farm.

There are many ways it saddens me that as a society we have lost so much of our connection with the family farm.  It truly makes me feel blessed to be able to share what we do with so many folks who are our loyal customers, Facebook fans and friends.

Anyhow.  A few of my thoughts on celebrating Labor Day from the farm.  I've spent enough time here at the computer now.  The water tanks need filling.

I hope everyone has enjoyed their weekend and if it was a three-day weekend with friends and family, that it was a good time of fellowship and memory making.

By the way, if you have a farmer, be sure to thank them today! :)