GLAD TIDINGS MERRYE DECEMBER
"May you never be too grown up to search the skies on Christmas Eve." — Unknown
Christmas Eve In The Barn ~ A Willard Inn Story. Graham placed a final rake full of hay into the paddock and stepped back to join Hannah, who was now leaning on the rail of the cozy enclosure, admiring the most recent additions to their barn family, Christopher, and Holly, their new Cotswold sheep. The two young sheep were the cutest little balls of fluff Hannah had ever seen with wool the color of cream and the sweetest tan faces. Hannah and Graham had stopped by the Ballard Farm on their way home from spending a wonderful family Thanksgiving with their children and grandchildren and chosen the lively pair to bring home. Now, the adorable balls of fluff, having made fast friends with the rest of their new barn family were happily visiting with Tess and Tom, the heritage turkeys, while Graham gave their paddock its morning cleaning and a fresh blanket of hay, and Hannah put the final touches on the enormous 14-foot Evergreen tree at the other end of the barn. “Hannah, I swear this barn looks more and more homey all the time. Soon, we are going to have to allow the grandchildren to sleep in the loft. You know they’ve been asking to do so for ages and once they meet Christopher and Holly, I don’t think we’ll be able to put them off any longer,” said Graham. “Let’s worry about that when summer returns, said Hannah, for now, let’s get back to making sure we are ready for this evening’s party. Hannah and Graham had kept the sheep a secret from their children and grandchildren, deciding to surprise the family with the new additions on Christmas eve, when both families would arrive to spend the holidays at the inn. Both were giddy with the excitement of sharing the surprise. Graham continued with tidying the barn, making sure everything was just right for tonight's party and making sure everyone had a clean pen, stall, coop. Hannah took one last look around, taking in the merry decorations. The barn was beautifully festive but remained rustic, with long wooden tables adorned with a mixture of fresh greens, red and white berries, burlap ribbon and cream candles. The tree was a glow with soft twinkling lights and ornaments, brought each year by their guests. The animals’ “homes” were decorated as well, each with edible swags, berries, and “ribbons” that, surprisingly, they never touched. Each year their guests expressed amazement at this, but Hannah knew in her heart that the animals enjoyed the festivities of this special night as much as anyone else. Each year, as midnight approached, everyone would leave the barn, including the animals, and make their way through the softly falling snow to gather round the frozen pond and the tiny fir tree decorated with tiny lights and a large twinkling star on its top, and sing carols as midnight arrived. But before any of that happened there were a few last-minute details to finish up. Hannah headed toward the inn to make a final check on the hams baking, for tonight's dinner. Each guest would bring a dish to share, an ornament for the tree and a gift for the local children’s shelter, making this a true community event. When she opened the side door leading into the kitchen, the rich smell of cloves, brown sugar and maple surrounded her. Hannah glazed the hams, washed her hands, and headed upstairs to make one final trip through the bedrooms, to make sure everyone had candles on their bedside table, extra blankets at the foot of their beds and a sprig of holly on their door. She took a deep relaxing breath and drew in the calm and joy of the season, now, she said, Christmas can come. :~)Doreen Frost
What a beautiful story Doreen! I could see every detail! ❤️🎄🐑
I could envision every little detail. What lovely settings you described. I wanted to be coming to your festive gathering! 🎄🐑