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Contents Celebrating our rural lifestyle.

SUBSCRIPTIONS:

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COPYRIGHT 2019. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ERRORS: The Fence Post shall be responsible for errors or omission in connection with an advertisement only to the extent of the space covered by the error.

Opinions stated in letters or signed columns do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of The Fence Post.

2

The Fence Post | Country Christmas

4 Strolling through Sheridan

BY HANNAH GILL

14 Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show

8 Minden, NE The Christmas City

20 Cottonwood Farms

BY RUTH NICOLAUS

BY MARTY METZGER

BY JODY HALL

26 More than Just a Gift

38 Tips for Gift-giving

BY DEANNA NELSON-LICKING

30 Feeding the Sheep: Samaritan’s Purse

BY MARIA TIBBETTS

34 Country Crafting: Tree Cookie Ornaments

BY NANCY FISHER

BY MARIA TIBBETTS

46 Grandpaw’s Elf

BY RHONDA SEDGWICK STEARNS

48 Advertiser Index

COVER PHOTO BY JACK SORENSON

Country Christmas | The Fence Post

3

Strolling through Sheridan

BY HANNAH GILL

W

be fighting over killer deals on the latest electronic gadgets, but they will be coming together by the thousands to support small businesses in downtown Sheridan, drink hot chocolate and listen to Christmas carolers.

cowboy town of Sheridan, Wyoming will be gearing up for its own unique shopping experience. The crowds won’t

The town at the foot of the Bighorns in north-central Wyoming is celebrating the 24th annual Christmas Stroll,

hile the rest of the country is partaking in Black Friday on the day after Thanksgiving, the small

4

The Fence Post | Country Christmas

an event that has become a Christmas tradition for many in the area.

“People here really look forward to the Christmas Stroll,” says Theresa Detimore, program development director for the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce.

“Families are back in town for Thanksgiving and just plan on hanging out in Sheridan for the Stroll now.”

When the Christmas Stroll was first born, local businessmen and women on the Chamber committee saw that many locals were leaving town to shop for Black Friday while there was a good variety of retail stores in town, especially downtown, so they planned a night to draw the community to Main Street and the event has remained ever since.

“It’s just a fun community event where stores stay open late for people to do their shopping and kind of kick it off for Christmas,” Detimore says.

Sheridan’s Main Street is blocked off to traffic and the streets are filled with Christmas cheer. “There’s wagon rides which we have had for years, there used to be horse drawn carriage rides, but with the amount of people that are downtown for the Stroll, it’s just not a good mix.”

There is free chili, cookies, hot cider and hot chocolate, Santa and Mrs. Claus are invited to town for the event and the evening is capped off with a fireworks show.

Although Detimore wasn’t around for the first 14 years of the stroll, she says the past 10 years that she has been involved have averaged 3,000 to 4,000 people filling Main Street that night. But the goal isn’t just to

fill the streets during the Christmas Stroll itself, but to bring shoppers to downtown businesses for the entire Christmas shopping season.

“One promotion we do is the Stroll buttons. We pick a theme every year for the Stroll and elementary kids submit designs for the buttons,” Detimore says.

People buy buttons, each individually numbered, and participating businesses are each assigned numbers. Starting on Christmas Stroll night and going through Christmas Eve, as shoppers are out and about, they try to find a store with the same number as their button. “If someone’s button number matches the store’s number, they win a prize, so it just kind of keeps the fun of the event going all the way up until Christmas Eve.” Throughout the month, the Chamber also promotes going downtown with their Christmas Stroll buttons and “Get Caught Shopping” by Chamber committee members. If caught, the shoppers have a chance to win money.

Last year was Jesse Smith’s first year with a store front in downtown Sheridan, and the Christmas Stroll gave her exposure to people who might have never noticed her shop, Westerngrace, before. People were stopping in to look for her store’s button number, which brought a lot through the door.

Country Christmas | The Fence Post

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“It’s so helpful for new businesses because people are just out and about all month,” she says. “I think the main thing about the Stroll, at least for me, was the fun way to kick off Christmas and the new clients and friends you end up meeting and just getting introduced to people in the community that night.”

Smith, along with other business owners, provides beverages and snacks to visitors in their shops during the

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The Fence Post | Country Christmas

Christmas Stroll. Smith also plans to have a “pop-up artist” come set up in her shop with fun, locally made leather goods to display for the evening and offer for sale.

“I was pretty much in my store the entire night last year, but downtown was just packed,” Smith says. “The streets are packed, the sidewalks are packed, my store was packed. It honestly felt more like a reunion for most of these locals, like it was their time to come out

Sharing simple traditions, like dragging home the Christmas tree, creates memories that will last long after the gifts are forgotten.

and visit friends, see people they haven’t seen. I mean,

“Our downtown alone is just really unique,” Detimore

we’re all about to be cooped up for the winter and just

says. “We hear that all the time from visitors through

surviving so it’s kind of like that last hoorah to see people and get out and about I think.”

The general atmosphere during December in downtown Sheridan is unique, from the number and variety of stores

the years, so when you put together an event like this, when the entire downtown is just lit up for Christmas, it’s just amazing.”

to the many Christmas decorations that adorn the streets.

Country Christmas | The Fence Post

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BY RUTH NICOLAUS

T

he Christmas spirit is a little brighter and cheerier in Minden, Nebraska.

Dubbed “The Christmas City,” the small south central Nebraska community has been celebrating Christmas with lots of spirit since 1915.

That’s the year that, to impress the state convention of the Grand Army of the Republic which was being held in Minden, the city decided to stretch strings of lights from the railroad depot to the town square. But three days of freezing rain came, so the uninsulated strings weren’t able to be used.

At Christmas, the city’s light commissioner, J.W. Haws, decided to surprise the townspeople.

Working alone, he colored the lights and strung them on the courthouse dome, illuminating them on Christmas Eve. For years, Mr. Haws put up the lights on the dome, and because of his efforts, Minden is known as the Christmas City.

Between 10,000 and 15,000 lights are strung all around the courthouse: some on the courthouse dome, and more from a pinnacle above the dome to points around the square. The inside of the courthouse windows are shaded alternating red and green, with the top part of the courthouse lit up in yellow and red.

Minden is called Nebraska’s Christmas City because of the more than 10,000 lights that are lit around the courthouse dome, the square, and throughout town.

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The Fence Post | Country Christmas

Minden, Nebraska

The Christmas City

The Christmas lights tradition began in Minden in 1915, and has continued to this day.

City workers put out the lights in the fall, and each January, they are carefully stored on big wooden spools for the next Christmas season.

PHOTOS BY MIKE PETERSON, ABOVE THE GARAGE STUDIO.

Country Christmas | The Fence Post

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The recessed windows on the courthouse are lit up in red and green to celebrate the Christmas season in Nebraska’s Christmas City, Minden.

PHOTO BY MIKE PETERSON, ABOVE THE GARAGE STUDIO.

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The Fence Post | Country Christmas

City workers put up the lights in the fall, working before winter weather sets in, and when the lights come down in January, each bulb is unscrewed and put in a separate box to prevent them from breaking. The strands are rolled up on big wooden spools which are numbered for where they hang.

There’s more to Christmas in Minden than the lights.

The town has put on a Christmas pageant every year since 1946. It’s the foretelling and nativity of the Christ Child, including 114 actors, actresses and crew members in a thirty-minute pageant that kicks off the season. The play is done in semi-darkness. At the end of the play, when the birth of Jesus takes

place, the lights around the courthouse and square are turned on.

Just like the tradition of the lights in Minden, the pageant has a long history. It was written by Minden resident Clayton Morey in 1946, at the request of the Methodist pastor in town, Art Johnson. Clayton produced the pageant for 25 years, then his son, Ben, began organizing it in 1979. Ben was the organizer till 2010, when his son, Matt, took over. “He’s got the passion for it, as I do,” Ben said. “I’ve always believed I was given this role for a higher purpose.”

Miss Christmas City queen candidates and their young attendants gather for a photo.

Minden crowns a Miss Christmas City at the Opera House on Fri., Nov. 29, prior to the parade.

There are many third-generation family members involved in the play, and a few who have been doing it for fifty years. Two plays take place during each performance; the

Country Christmas | The Fence Post

11

same play, in two locations, on the north and west sides of the courthouse square.

There are no speaking parts in the play; the narration, voices and music are all digitally recorded and played through the courthouse microphones.

The actors and actresses pantomime their parts, and because some of them have been involved for so many years, there is very little practice required.

The kids, who are usually angels or Roman soldiers, practice on the Monday of Thanksgiving week. On Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, the entire cast gets together to run through it.

Some of the veteran actors and actresses who have played their roles for years don’t come to practice, which used to make Morey nervous. “I have to laugh,” he said. “Those who have been doing it forever and a day, they don’t show up at all on Wednesday night

12

The Fence Post | Country Christmas

(for practice). I’ve gotten over it, but you get nervous.

Are they going to show?” They do, but some of them don’t till the last minute. “The pageant starts at seven, and they show up at ten till.”

The pageant is always held the first Saturday after Thanksgiving, on Nov. 30 this year, then the following two Sundays (Dec. 1 and 8), starting at 7 p.m.

The holiday season kicks off in Minden with a parade on the Friday after Thanksgiving. A Christmas City queen is chosen and crowned at the Minden Opera House, and she leads the parade, with Santa also a participant in the parade.

During the season, Minden also hosts a biennial Tour of Homes.

The tour includes five to seven homes, decorated in the holiday spirit, with a variety of different themes,

said Lynette Beahm, a local realtor, Minden Chamber of Commerce member, and organizer of the tour.

“Some homes have unique collections,” she said.

Santa Clauses, angels, snowmen, and even military themes have been included. “You can look around, get ideas, fill up with the Christmas spirit, and get all excited to do your own decorating.”

The homes and the decorating are in a variety of styles, too, Beahm said, including “old bungalows and brand new spacious homes. You see very elaborate decorating plus traditional and antique.”

This year, Bethany Home, the assisted living center in Minden, is included in the Tour of Homes.

The center will have a dozen trees decorated by the residents, with centerpieces created by the local Girl Scouts.

The Tour of Homes is December 8 from 3 pm-6 pm and costs $10 per person. Proceeds from this year’s tour go to the Minden Area Food Pantry.

Nearly every business in town participates in the Christmas activities, said Kathi Schutz, chamber administrator. The pageant and lights bring about 1,000 peo- ple to town, depending on the weather, which is a big number for a community with nearly 3,000 residents.

“There are a lot of good things going on in Minden,” Schutz said, and the pageant and lights are a huge draw.

Being Nebraska’s Christmas City “is our tag,” she said. “Most people know us as the Christmas City.”

Santa Claus himself makes a special trip to Minden to greet the kids.

The annual parade kicks off the holiday season in Minden. This year, the parade will be November 29 at 7 pm.

Country Christmas | The Fence Post

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o d a r o l o CCountry Christmas

The left side of the plaza fills up with holiday shoppers at the Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHOWCASE EVENTS, INC.

Gift Show

BY MARTY METZGER

A

charming blend of cordial elegance and down-home sincerity has made the Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show a must-attend holiday event for the past 16 years. Perusing gift offerings from

350 vendors creatively displayed throughout four large halls in the Denver Mart gets shoppers in the Christmas spirit.

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The Fence Post | Country Christmas

The event held annual in early November brings approximately 20,000 shoppers. This year was the first year for an additional, similar event in Colorado Springs. Showcase Events, Inc. representative Kim Peck detailed some of the reasons for the company’s productions’ popularity.

Peck said, “Our shows are unique, festive and fun places to shop and continue to thrive because they offer a positive and personalized experience. Shoppers and vendors alike tell me they appreciate the warm holiday feeling.”

Holiday Expressions booth gives shoppers a myriad of bright and festive selections from which to choose.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHOWCASE EVENTS, INC.

Attendees enjoy the casual shopping environment’s country atmosphere. Christmas music plays throughout the show and Santa poses for photos with little ones. On-site security at the Denver Mart makes for a safe and relaxing environment.

The show, which is now staged in four locations each year, traces its history to 1983 Tacoma, Wash., where Rick Matthews was working in furniture sales. He had an idea to bring artisans together, all under one roof, to offer shoppers unique and hand-crafted holiday merchandise.

Now 37 years later, the Tacoma Dome show is still going strong.

Twenty years ago, Salt Lake City, Utah held its initial show, followed by the Denver venue four years later. This year, the Colorado Springs event opened to accommodate additional customers.

Each show is a bit different from prior ones and from the other locations.

Some vendors, however, do so well and enjoy the atmosphere so much, that they display their wares at

Country Christmas | The Fence Post

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several of the shows and/or attend every year. For example, many exhibited at both Denver and Colorado Springs, said Peck, because of their previous good experiences at the Denver Mart.

Kim Conrad of Broomfield, Colo., has been a show vendor for the past 7 or 8 years and her company, Victorian Elegance Jewelry, has garnered many repeat customers. Conrad described her hand-crafted items as “simple to dynamic pieces for every taste and budget.” She offers all themes, from classic to steam punk, Harry Potter, and designer statement pieces for all occasions. Most are one-of-a-kind and 99.5 percent handmade.

Peck said that although the original 1983 Tacoma show presented only hand-crafted items, Showcase Events shows are now a mix of commercial and handmade products, dependent on individual vendors.

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The Fence Post | Country Christmas

A to Z Factory, from Centennial, Colo., is Julie Scholle’s company that offers completely hand-crafted, affordable items. For the past six years, Scholle has brought to the Denver venue a variety of aprons, Christmas stockings, potholders, eyeglass cases, lighted liquor bottles, gift bags and ornaments.

“Everything runs from just $.30 to $12,” she said.

“And nothing goes to waste in my craft room!”

Scholle considers her crafting a hobby, and she and her husband use the profits for annual vacations. Scholle intends to continue as a Colorado Country Christmas vendor. “We love that show! The (Showcase Events) team makes everything so easy, and everyone really gets along,” she said.

Stacie Jones has been bringing her crafts for four years. The Watkins, Colo. woman looks forward to successful sales and repeat customers for her Lil Jungle Monkey Crochet business.

Jones crochets baby items (i.e booties) specifically for the show, but also produces jewelry, hats, and other items for adults. Her aunt contributes handmade angels. All items are “old-time crochet with a modern flair,” said Jones.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: One vendor at the Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show happily answers shoppers’ questions about his original, enchanted art work.

All aboard the Wooden Wonders locomotive as happy trucks and cars look on.

Will they be chosen to sit under a lucky child’s Christmas tree, they wonder.

Hammond’s Candy Land has a bounty of treasure for everyone with a sweet tooth to satisfy at the Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show.

So much to choose from at the Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show where more than 350 vendors offer quality items!

Plunder Design offers “Vintage Jewelry, Savvy Prices” at the Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show. Creative, colorful displays highlight each booth’s offerings.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SHOWCASE EVENTS, INC.

Country Christmas | The Fence Post

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: A young girl is amazed at the fanciful candles at one booth at the Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show.

The menu at Grandma’s Rockin’ Rolls is almost as scrumptious looking as are the sweets!

Home décor, creative lighting hand-crafted from vintage items, and jewelry are just a few of the categories offered for sale at both the Denver and Colorado Springs Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SHOWCASE EVENTS, INC.

Victorian Elegance Jewelry, aka, Kim Conrad Designs creates superior pieces, such as this stunning body necklace. Conrad is a longtime vendor at Denver’s “Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show”. PHOTO COURTESY OF KIM CONRAD 18

The Fence Post | Country Christmas

Visitors find more than crafts at the show. The 2019 Denver Mart show included a Cooking For the Holidays presentation by professional chefs demonstrating their secret holiday recipes. Specialty food vendors brought selections of honey, nuts, caramels, teas, coffees, jams, olive oils, rubs, salsas, syrups, dips, and more.

The Denver show also features a model train setup for youngsters (and young-at-heart locomotive fans).

The Colorado Springs event was unique in that it presented some truly country-themed merchandise, including horse tack, and performances by a children’s dance troupe.

Christian Gerling, a marketing agent who has worked with the shows since 1992, confirmed that the “formula” is basically the same in each city. She attributes much of the success to the exceptional quality of vendors, resulting in a long waiting list filled with names of potential new dealers eager to set up at one or more future shows.

“Showcase Events has a full staff at venues, including four managers on-site, owner Rick Matthews and his wife, plus our office manager,” said Peck. “We also hire 15-20 ambassadors who can answer questions and direct shoppers and vendors to the show office and other locations. They also take tickets, direct traffic and do much more.”

“We are all available and accessible for the duration of each show and have a longtime relationship with our vendors,” Peck said. “We want everyone to be successful.”

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19

Cottonwood Farm

BY JODY HALL

B

ob Condon’s family has been involved in agriculture in Colorado since Christmas trees were lit with candles, in the 1850s. Now he carries on the tradition with a different kind of farm.

Bob and his wife, Amy were involved in farming while working other jobs and raising their family, and now, they use their pumpkin patch and Christmas tree “farm” to introduce children to a real farm experience while making family holiday memories.

20

The Fence Post | Country Christmas

Bob Condon, aka Farmer Bob at Cottonwood Farms, has been selling Christmas in the Lafayette area for 20 years and pumpkins for 24. The trees became a natural extension of his fall pumpkin sale and festivities.

Cottonwood Farm’s Christmas tree sale

What makes a good Christmas Tree?

Bob usually offers Fraser firs, Noble firs, Douglas firs and Nordmann firs.

Nordmann Fir: • Symmetrically shaped, wide base, dark green, broad needles • Retain their needles for a longer period of time • Their foliage is soft and glossy, making them “children friendly”

has been at the current location of Hwy 287 and Isabelle Rd. in Lafayette Colorado for two years (its prior location was 4 miles away at 75th and Arapahoe). The property was formerly The Cherry Creek Tree Farm. The property is still populated with massive pines and firs along with aspens and other broadleaf trees.

Boulder County purchased most of the property in 2008 and rehomed a large number of trees. The rest of the trees were left to establish a wildlife area. Bob rents his space from his son and daughter-in-law, who own the northern part of the property. The trees on the property are too big for selling so he uses suppliers from Oregon and North Carolina.

Bob is always trying to incorporate new ideas to his Christmas festivities. This

year he thinks he will bring in more animals, in addition to the mini horse, donkey and chickens—which get decide if they get petted or not.

He says they have lots of Christmas lights and offer hot chocolate. “We make a little more of an experience out of it,” he says.

There is nothing like coming home to a beautiful real tree that fills your home with that wonderful pine or balsam smell. No artificial air freshener can come close and it only happens once a year.

Artificial tree companies have said that having a real tree at Christmas is not ecologically sound.

“I disagree with that,” says Bob. “They are mainly grown on land that is not what you would call crop land typically.

Fraser Fir: • Fragrant and aromatic • Has a narrow base, so it can fit in small spaces • Firm branches; holds ornaments well

Douglas Fir: • Soft dark green needles • Citrus fragrance • Has good needle retention

Noble Fir: • Grey-green needles • Needles tilt upward and are very strong. They are good for holding heavy decorations • Needle retention is one of the best Balsam trees are hard to get, and they can be expensive. Bob sells trees tabletop size to 8-9 feet tall size as well as a few “Charlie Brown” trees from local properties.

Country Christmas | The Fence Post

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So, there is something growing there.”

The younger trees convert more carbon than mature trees and after their use they can be ground up for mulch.

CARE FOR YOUR

Christmas Tree There is a little more maintenance for a real tree but the wonderful smell and the presence of nature outweighs the minimal extra work.

• If you are unable to set up your tree as soon as you get it home, make sure you store it in a cool shelter away from the wind and sun. The north side of the house works well.

• Before you bring the tree indoors make a fresh cut.

Cut the trunk one inch from the bottom.

• Water as soon as you set it up. In the first week a tree will consume up to a quart of a day. Don’t add anything to the water. Plain tap water is ideal.

• Choose a spot away from heat sources. Vents, electronics, fireplaces take away moisture and shorten the length of time the tree can be displayed.

• Check water level daily. If water level drops below the fresh cut it will reseal and won’t be able to drink.

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The Fence Post | Country Christmas

“Sometimes they take whole trees and sink them in a pond for fish habitat. It’s a good cycle,” Bob says.

Christmas trees are grown in all 50 states including Alaska and Hawaii, and 98 percent of all Christmas trees are grown on farms. Germany started the Christmas tree tradition and it is believed that Martin Luther, the Protestant reformer, first added lighted candles to a tree. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree tradition started in 1933, and the tallest tree displayed was a Norway Spruce that was 100 feet tall.

Christmas trees are a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation.

“We are working more toward developing a little bit more of a family outing tradition besides just picking out a tree. You can’t get that wherever you buy an artificial tree,” says Bob. “It’s the experience that’s important.”

For more information about Cottonwood Farms visit their website: https://cottonwoodfarms.com/ christmas-trees-boulder-co/

Bob and his wife, Amy were involved in farming while working other jobs and raising their family, and now, they use their pumpkin patch and Christmas tree “farm� to introduce children to a real farm experience while making family holiday memories.

Country Christmas | The Fence Post

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MERRY OINKMAS MERRY OINKMA

RY OINKMAS from everyone at the Colorado Pork Producers Council

from everyone at the Colorado Pork Producers Council

Maple Bacon Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

yone at the Colorado Pork Producers Council

Maple Bacon Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Co aple Bacon Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies I

I

Recipe by Rachel at yammiesnoshery.com

RY OINKMAS

Ingredients 2 sticks (1 cup) butter 3/4 teaspoon baking soda 1 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup bacon (maple flavored 1 teaspoon maple extract if you want), cooked and May holiday season sparkle with moments of 1/4your cup maple syrup crumbled (maybe about 1 egg a pound) ryone at the Colorado Pork Producers Council love, laughter, and goodwill, and may the 2 cups cake flour 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips coming year bring peace and joy.

1 cup all-purpose flour Kosher salt for sprinkling

Maple Bacon Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

May your holiday season sparkle with moments of love, laughter, and goodwill, and may the May your holiday season sparkle with moments of love, laughter, and goodwill, and may thecoming year bring peace and joy. coming year bring peace and joy.

Instructions Set one stick of butter out to soften. Cook the other stick of the butter on medium heat on the stove until browned. Allow to cool to room temperature and is no longer liquid (feel free to put it in the refrigerator or freezer)*. Beat in the sugar. Add the extracts, syrup, and egg.

Beat until well combined. Sift in the flours, soda, and salt. Mix to combine. Stir in the chips and bacon bits, saving some for garnishing the top if you wish. Chill the dough for at least an hour or until the dough is pretty firm (again, put it in the freezer if you’re impatient). Preheat the oven to 375º. Shape cookies into balls of your preferred size. Sprinkle with any leftover bacon bits and some kosher salt. Bake cookies for 9-12 minutes or until edges or golden brown. I like to press a few chocolate chips in the top when they’re done baking.

May your holiday season sparkle with moments of love, laughter, and goodwill, and may the coming year bring peace and joy.

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The Fence Post | Country Christmas

Cider Braised Pork Shoulder with Cranberries and Apple Recipe by Jennifer at yummly.com Ingredients 41b bone-in fresh pork shoulder 2 Tbsp olive oil 3 medium onions halved lengthwise, then cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices 3/4 cup unfiltered apple cider Sauce: 1 apple peeled, cored, halved and cut into 1/4-inch slices 1/2 cup fresh cranberries or thawed, frozen cranberries 1/3 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup apple cider Pinch of cloves cinnamon and nutmeg Pinch fresh orange zest Pinch fresh thyme leaves (you could use rosemary, instead) For garnish: Fresh thyme or rosemary stems or leaves and/ or pecans

Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 325° F. 2. Pat pork dry and season well with salt and pepper.

3. Heat oil in a 4 or 5-quart oven-proof heavy pot over moderately high heat until hot. Brown meat on all sides, turning occasionally, about 8 minutes. Transfer pork to a plate.

4. Add onions to same pot and cook over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally,until softened and starting to turn golden, about 5 minutes. Add 3/4 teaspoon salt and cook stirring occasionally, until onions are golden and caramelized, 8 to 10 minutes more. Stir in cider and return pork to pot.

5. Cover pot with a tight-fitting lid and place into the pre-heated oven until very tender, 2 1/2 to 3 hours, turning pork over once at the half way mark of cooking. Pork should be forktender. Transfer pork to a serving dish.

6. When meat is almost cooked, peel and core apple and slice into 1/4- inch slices. Heat 1 Tbsp. butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add apple slices and cook until soft and lightly golden. Remove skillet from heat until pork is cooked.

7. Strain pan juices of onion, reserving the onion. If you have a gravy separator, separate fat from pan juices and add the juices into the skillet with the apples. (Alternately, just skim off with a spoon). Add the reserved onion to the skillet as well. Add cranberries and remaining sauce ingredients. Boil cooking juices with onions and cranberries until cranberries pop and the mixture is reduced and thickened. Season with salt and pepper. Taste sauce. If it seems too tart, add more brown sugar in small increments, re-tasting and adding more as necessary. Sauce should not be sweet but shouldn’t be tart either. You can also adjust seasonings by adding more spices and/or orange zest, to taste.

8. Remove meat from bone and cut into bite size chunks. Add to the apple-cranberry sauce, stir to cover meat in sauce and cook a few minutes to re-heat meat. Transfer to a serving plate or bowl and garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary stems. Serve with a side of rice or mashed potatoes and a green vegetable

Country Christmas | The Fence Post

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More than just a gift

Customization gives meaning to gifts

BY DEANNA NELSON-LICKING

H

ave you ever struggled to find the perfect gift for that special person in your life? Could it be

that your spouse and parents are hard to buy for since they already have everything they need? Or maybe you would like to support American craftsmen rather than the cheaply made imported items available at the local big box store?

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The Fence Post | Country Christmas

Even if there isn’t a silversmith or engraver in your hometown, the internet has made it possible to buy handmade custom gifts from even states away. Personally if I want a new piece of jewelry, I don’t want something that everyone else already has, I want it custom. When I was getting married a few years ago, we had already gone non-traditional and ordered my ring from a silversmith in Idaho, a simple engraved silver band. I decided that

having a necklace set would be a nice touch. I ordered earrings and a pendant from the same craftsman. My fiancé’s brand was on the earrings and one side of the necklace with my own brand on the reverse side. For my birthday that year my husband ordered a hair barrette engraved with his brand for me. For Christmas one year I found a bit maker in Colorado who built a custom snaffle bit with our brand inside the O-ring.

Maybe we take the whole custom thing a little far, a friend of my husband once jokingly asked him. “Do you have your brand on your underwear?”

Fluff Wood of Sagebrush Silver in Idaho is the craftsman I have trusted to create my silver items. He does a wide variety of custom silver items, from jewelry to saddle conchos. He even will use your elk ivory in rings and money clips. He can be found on Facebook at Sagebrush Silver/Fluff and Deb Wood. A simple internet or Facebook search will bring up many skilled craftsmen and since

they are small businesses their overhead is low and they can offer custom items for a very reasonable price.

I often have embroidered dish towels as gifts for friends with their brand or initials, which is still an option even if you don’t make it yourself; there are many businesses that offer custom embroidery. Having a custom baby blanket made for a new addition with the family brands is a meaningful gift. Many of us remember having leather belts with our name across the back; today they might not be as popular but consider how neat a custom tooled or beaded belt with initials or a brand is. Both decorative and useful. Maybe consider using weathered boards from the family place to make a picture frame, better yet make it wide enough to brand with the family brands. A perfect and unique way to display a wedding or family photo.

For my own wedding JLN Custom Leatherwork (also known as my sister) created a Country Christmas | The Fence Post

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large leather-covered frame with our brands and those of our parents. She specializes in custom orders of all kinds, smartphone cases, notebook covers, brief cases, saddles, tack, braided rawhide items and even diaper bags. She can be found on Facebook.

Shelli Cope of Chadron, Nebraska operates Engravers, Inc. She will customize just about anything you could dream of. Even if you aren’t sure of what to get, Shelli will visit with you to determine the best gift. She offers laser and sandblasting engraving options. Photo Christmas ornaments, custom cutting boards with engraved signatures of the grandkids or a special saying, photo coffee mugs and insulated cups, custom engraved BBQ tool sets for the griller in your life, recipe boxes, custom calving book covers, personal photos put on slabs of slate, drinkware with brands or initials, if you can think of it Shelli 28

The Fence Post | Country Christmas

probably has already or will be willing to make it for you. She offers an extremely wide variety of gifts and personalized options that fit a wide budget range as well. With her engraving capabilities she is able to take something that is handwritten and transfer it to gift. A local hospital has contracted with her to make gifts for new mothers with their baby’s name, photo and information. She is a Buck knife dealer and often engraves the knives as gifts and awards.

She can be found on Facebook at Engravers. “If you want to make yourself look good, come in and we will help you out,” Shelli said.

Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a very prosperous New Year from everyone at Agri-Enterprises, Inc.

Many of us have a special horse and would like something to remember them by. A few will skin the animal to make rawhide for reins. Most of us would rather not go that far, but cutting off some mane or tail hair is doable. The hair can be used to make keychains, wall hangings and tassels. Shelli Cope also will make plaques and ornaments to memorialize special pets and animals as well. It could be that you feel like dad or grandpa won’t use a custom gift, but maybe he would like a personalized binder for his horse registration papers or a pair of tooled leather suspenders could make everyones life better.

Most of us have had or will have the experience of sorting through a relative’s personal items and trying to figure out what to do with them. Generic jewelry often ends up at the thrift store and other treasures in the trash. Grandkids can see by the personalized family photo ornaments or magnets that grandma displayed, that family meant the world to her. Or see the thought that dad put into a necklace with his brand on it for Mom. The internet, Facebook and Etsy.com have opened up an entire world of gifts and ideas even for those who consider themselves less-than-inspired. Custom quality gifts will last many years, often becoming family heirlooms and will be treasured by generations to come.

Country Christmas | The Fence Post

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Feeding the sheep:

Samaritan’s Purse shares the gift of agriculture around the world

BY MARIA TIBBETTS

nimals have been part of Christmas since the very first one. The Savior of the world was welcomed first by those who tended the animals, perhaps foreshadowing Jesus’s role as Shepherd of God’s people.

A

It’s a role He handed off to His people, asking Peter to “feed my sheep.”

Those of us involved in agriculture understand what it means to care for others above ourselves.

As we reflect on the bounty we enjoy even in lean years, we often look for opportunities to help those who are less fortunate.

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The Fence Post | Country Christmas

Samaritan’s Purse has created a variety of missions that reach people in poverty, for whom a simple gift or a filling meal is the stuff of dreams.

One of the most well-known programs Samaritan’s Purse coordinates is Operation Christmas Child, which encourages people to fill shoeboxes with fun and useful gifts that are distributed to children in poverty in countries all over the world—including the United States—along with the opportunity to hear the Gospel of Jesus.

Aaron Larsen, animals, agriculture and livelihoods program technical advisor for Samaritan’s purse, said, “We serve the poor globally—those suffering from chronic poverty and malnutrition or whose livelihoods wiped out by drought, disaster, or war. We especially

serve those who are considered most vulnerable of these populations—prioritizing support for widows, orphans, the disabled, the elderly and those living with HIV/AIDS.” A lesser-known project may touch the hearts of those who depend on livestock for a living.

“Our agriculture and livelihood programs were born out of our response to human suffering and poverty, coming alongside affected families with physical assistance and the power and comfort of the Gospel,” Larsen said. “Disaster response often transitions from relief to recovery and as it does, needs to change from immediate life-saving aid to longer-term assistance in helping families get back on their feet by asset provision (livestock, seeds, tools) and training.

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Additionally, response to chronic poverty and associated suffering has led us to partner with communities and the church around the world.”

The monetary gifts to the program can buy honeybees, baby chicks, goats and dairy animals, fruit trees, sheep or other livestock and drought-resistant plants, which are provided along with the support—education, tools, fertilizer, vet services and small business training—to help people break the cycle of poverty.

“These gifts provided to families through Samaritan’s Purse are considered productive assets,” Larsen said.

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The Fence Post | Country Christmas

“That is, these are things that households can use to provide for themselves and help them recover from losses caused by a disaster. It can also provide the ‘push’ that can help families take steps to break out of the vicious cycle of poverty and vulnerability.”

The program has been going for about 20 years.

Different gift levels allow donors to choose how to help.

For instance a gift of $14 will provide a dozen baby chicks, $20 can set up honeybee hive, a $70 dairy animal gift gives a dairy animal. Other options provide a start with fruit trees, drought-resistant crops, or sheep and other livestock.

Overall, the program aims to change the entire outlook of communities, with hope on earth and in heaven.

Larsen said, “Long term effects include increased resilience and progress out of poverty. We are also, of course, hopeful that as we partner with communities our engagement will open doors to hear the Gospel. We are looking to see communities transformed holistically.”

Ac c ord i n g to c h a r it y n av i g at or. or g , Samaritan’s Purse earned a 95.85 out of 100

rating, with 87.5 percent of the total expenses going to the programs and services it delivers.

Charitynavigator.org is an independent organization that rates charities based on effectiveness, efficiency, cost of administration and transparency.

For more information about Samaritan’s Purse and their numerous programs, ranging from shoebox gifts to medical care, from veteran marriage counseling to cataract surgery and preventing human trafficking, go to www.samaritanspurse.org or call 1-800-353-5957.

Country Christmas | The Fence Post

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Country Crafting:

TREE COOKIE ORNAMENTS

BY NANCY FISHER

A

s the holidays approach, we try to focus on making memories, rather than spending money. A simple craft

project can be an inexpensive way to spend time together, and the grandkids get to take home something to remind them of our time together. After Thanksgiving dinner is a great time to do this, and the adults probably won’t mind a couple hours to watch football or take a nap.

You might even learn something about those precious children that you didn’t know. Like my granddaughter told me, “Granny, it’s sad if you don’t know that I love googly eyes.”

Take the opportunity to share some of your own childhood memories with them, and remember that making positive memories is worth more than perfect ornaments, so keep an open mind and let their creativity guide the process.

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•

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The Fence Post | Country Christmas

What you will need:

3-4” Wood slices that you cut yourself or purchased at a hobby store. If you cut your own, drill a small hole near the top for the string hanger.

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You could also use canning jar lids if you don’t have access to trees

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Various colors of acrylic paints. Just the basics are all you need—red, blue, yellow, black, and white. Let the kids learn to mix their own colors.

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A palette for mixing colors—A plastic ice cream bucket lid works great

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Paint brushes

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Pompoms, sequins, scraps of fabric, ribbon, googly eyes, etc. for embellishments

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Popsickle sticks

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Glue

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String for the hangers

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Sharpie marker (you can also use colored markers instead of paint)

From Ours to Yours Protect your table with an old tablecloth, bedsheet, newspaper—anything you don’t mind getting a little paint on. Protect the kids, too—maybe with some of Gramps’s old t-shirts that you have been meaning to throw out.

The very first thing you want to do is have each child write his or her name and the date on the back of their wood slice with the Sharpie marker.

If you do this first, you won’t have to wait for paint to dry to do it.

Then turn the kids loose with the paint, glue, and embellishments. You can give them a few ideas to get them started, but you’ll find they have plenty of ideas of their own. You might remind them that the hole needs to be at the top of the ornament. Be sure to tie a loop of string for a hanger once the paint is completely dry.

When the day is over each child will have a treasured ornament (or lots) to hang on their tree and some treasured memories to share someday with their own children and grandchildren.

Merry Christmas! & Happy New Year!

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Country Christmas | The Fence Post

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BY MARIA TIBBETTS

F

or most people, the thought that goes into a gift is worth more than the price tag. While it’s wonderful to get “just what I wanted,” sometimes it’s more meaningful to give “just what I needed” or “wow, this means a lot.”

Don’t get caught up in When in doubt, buy a commercials or sales. gift card, or at least Think about the person you’re buying gifts keep the receipts. for, and pay attention throughout the year.

Take note of things that break or wear out, that they could use another of or would appreciate an upgrade to. While new chore boots or a coat may not be the diamond necklace the commercials tell you your wife wants, she may appreciate the fact that you noticed she needed them and want to make her life more comfortable.

If money is tight, consider gifting a service, homemade item or something you value. If you’re planning to

pass down family heirlooms, think about giving those at Christmas, when you can still share the stories and get to see your family enjoy them.

Write down sizes and If they really do have brands from what they everything, share an already use. If you’re consider- experience. Take them out to

ing power tools, make note of what brand he already has, so he can use the same batteries.

When in doubt, ask their good friends. Their friends who

share interests or hobbies will likely know what they’d like to upgrade, and what they really want, including specifics.

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The Fence Post | Country Christmas

dinner, or cook a favorite meal for them.

Get tickets to a special show or concert.

Pay it forward. If family gifts have become more hassle than special, think about shopping together for a family that’s less fortunate, or spend time volunteering for a cause that’s important to you. Lots of organizations are available to make connections between givers and those in need.

Tips for

Giftgiv ing

Country Christmas | The Fence Post

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-For teenagers, gifts that indi-

cate you know they’re growing up, and are also practical can outrank the latest i-gadget. For a new driver, a set of good jumper cables, a winter survival kit or a tool kit can be a literal life-saver. For someone heading out on their own for the first time, a set of pots and pans, dishes, utensils, silverware, laundry items and cleaning supplies can make a new situation seem a little more like home. High school students that are going to be traveling a lot might appreciate a personalized duffel bag, luggage or dopp kit, complete with necessary items.

From our readers

We asked our readers to share some of their Christmas wishes, traditions and favorite foods. Here’s what they said.

Men’s Christmas Wish List Health

New car

Video games

Paint gun

Flannel shirt

NFR tickets

Nothing

Tractor

Silver spurs

Gun

Mud room makeover

Socks & underwear

New pickup

Stihl chainsaw

consider gifts that aren’t necessarily the hottest toy, but that will mean the most. A photo album of the last year, new bedding or décor for their room, or a special item that they will wear and use throughout the year, like a new rope, hat or pair of boots will remind them more often of your thoughtfulness, and won’t just fill up the toy box.

Scotch cap, heavy ¼-zip pullover sweater

Wrangler George Strait jeans

Batteries for my motor grader

Saltwater fly rod/reel

New gator Tools

Peace and quiet and for everyone to get along

Clothes

Restaurant gift cards and cash

Anything hunting-related

-For grandparents and other special relatives,

Gloves (lots of gloves)

Family to be healthy and happy

Broodmare

A trip

My truck fixed

Peace

A handmade gift from my son

Tack—bit, reins, spur straps

Heavy split reins

A heading horse Milwaukee power tools

-For younger children,

think about a photo calendar of the kids with all the family birthdays written on it. A variety of items are available to customize with photos, like coffee mugs and metal cake pans.

New boots and shirts

What was your most memorable Christmas gift?

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Watching our son opening his Christmas gifts. The way his eyes lit up

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A BB gun I received in Minnesota, when I was younger, from my father.

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My grandmother gave me a tape of her narrating the story of her best Christmas that happened in Weld County in about 1923.

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Bike The Fence Post | Country Christmas

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New puppy

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My iPad last year. I’ve been diagnosed with Macular Degeneration and I needed the larger print to read.

A cookbook filled with recipe cards written by my grandmothers

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A new car. It was a total surprise, which made it more special.

A toy motor grader that was broken on Christmas night when my parents required me to let the visiting children play with it.

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A cutting board that my daughter made for me.

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Family laughing together.

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A 4-wheeler because I was a kid and wanted one.

Women’s Christmas Wish List To be surrounded by family

Leather belt

Desk

New tack set

Silver bracelet

Saddle pads, boots

Mud room makeover

New bathroom

Peace

House

Pioneer Woman dishes, cookbooks, bulbs from Floret

One house cleaning

New kitchen Jewelry All the honey-do projects finished.

Practical stuff, like the supplements I buy for my horse Ariat boots Financial stability Family trip Rain, so my husband quits talking about it

Muck boots Warm gloves Massage and facial Warm winter coat Gift cards for clothes A weekend away with the family, luxury sheets, cozy pajamas Horseshoe Christmas tree Sewing cabinet Bedroom furniture

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A Case Trapper knife from my daughters.

Spending time with my all my grandchildren because family is important to me.

A calf born the day after Christmas my grandfather gave to me. It was my very first cow.

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Snow at Christmas

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A diamond ring from my husband because he complained about how much it cost.

A new horse. My husband bought me a new horse when my old barrel horse was put down, because of her age.

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A watercolor painting of a goose, it was from my Dad many years ago

Our promise rings. Because it meant that we made a promise to one another for the rest of our lives.

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My first saddle from my aunt and uncle in Indiana. It was special when I was 5.

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Saddle. Do I need to say ‘why’?

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A bred Boer doe

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What was your most memorable Christmas gift? (con’t) •

Diamond necklace. It was a surprise.

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Horse blanket and brush from my husband.

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My first bicycle because it was a milestone of growing up.

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Husband gave me beautiful ring.

He’s said it was for everything you do for our family with unconditional love. I cried.

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Engagement ring...Yes!

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Handmade bolo tie with an arrowhead that I had found.

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Browning BL22 rifle, because I’m a boy!

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An electric train. Because I did not get to bring it home from the relatives and they never sent to me.

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A show stick for my first year of 4-H because it made it seem official!

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The most memorable Christmas gift I ever got was the DSLR camera my dad got me when I was 16. He and mom didn’t communicate that year about gifts. I ended up with that camera and a new sewing machine.

You should have seen the look on their faces when I unwrapped those gifts! I enjoyed the sewing machine also, but that camera started a lifetime love of photography for me.

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Trip to Australia/New Zealand

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I gave someone three ears of field corn as a token part of our investment in the crop that year.

Memories!

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A weekend with my husband in Estes Park Colorado for Christmas

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A saddle from my Dad

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Power tools–never have enough of them.

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A lever-action BB gun, because I’m a cowboy!

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My ATV from Santa

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Christmas tree ornament

What food do you look forward to at Christmas, and why?

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Pecan pie takes me back being a kid and we are at grandmas house

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Cookies

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Gingerbread, prime rib.

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Pie and mixed nuts.

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Pumpkin pie. It’s a family tradition.

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I have been making Beef Burgundy for 40 years--only at Christmas time.

Our children look forward to that dish because it is so flavorful, and you can’t get it in a restaurant or store.

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Brownies

Turkey and mashed potatoes and gravy. Just isn’t Christmas without it.

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Lemon bread and confection bars. We never eat them except at Christmas time.

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Prime rib

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Turkey and ham

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Sour cream apple pie, fruit salad, ham and corn bread dressing

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Family dinner. Doesn’t matter what, what matters is “who”

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The Fence Post | Country Christmas

What food do you look forward to at Christmas, and why? (con’t) Try them. You’ll know why

•

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The sweets, because it’s the only time of year that I allow sweet indulgence.

Soups - yummy and makes everyone feel warm and cozy on cold nights

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Eggnog and rum...do I need to explain?

Homemade candy and cookies.

Sweetens me up for the in laws.

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Cookies, chili and oyster stew

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Cookies

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Prime Rib dinner--warm and filling

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Pies and turkey

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Beef

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•

ALL of it. Cause it’s good!

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All the parties. They are so different

Pecan pie, because it is so good and sweet.

My brother-in-law’s green bean casserole. It’s the best!

Smoked turkey. It tastes sooo good.

•

•

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Prime Rib, BEEF it’s what’s for dinner!

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Beef roast, soups, baked goods

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Time with family and friends we don’t see very often.

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All types of Christmas candy, just like Grandma used to make

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Turkey

•

•

Christmas dinner. Because the whole family is there with good food!

I look forward to Christmas cookies every year - chocolate spritz and chocolate covered cherry cookies.

I loved baking with my mom and now my mom, sister, and I bake with my daughters.

My wife’s family tradition of making dupa

•

Go to Mass, and celebrate the Birth Of Jesus.

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We have a smorgasbord on Christmas Eve, and then everyone gets to open one present.

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Pumpkin pie

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Pumpkin pie, because it fills the kitchen and hearts with joy

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Pumpkin bread

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Candy, fudge, Poticia bread

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Candied apples, homemade, bring back memories

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It’s so much fun and I always love the traditions.

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Pickle-jam cream cheese roll ups.

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We make lots of homemade goodies for the holidays. I look forward to those because the recipes have been handed down in our family. I also look forward to steak and lobster tails. We’ve had that tradition for a long time also.

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What Christmas tradition do you honor every year?

•

Snow skiing!

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Seeing the Christmas lights.

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Acting out the nativity and having Christmas Eve family dinner.

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Decorating the tree and making Christmas cookies.

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Family get-togethers and watching the kids open their gifts and eating a large dinner

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Honoring the Lord’s birthday

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Pajamas on Christmas Eve

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Whole family dinner

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Shooting competition

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Midnight Mass

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Christmas Eve Church Service and reading the Bible of the true meaning of giving and the greatest gift ever given, Jesus Christ.

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Lots of family time and food

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Sledding when we have the snow.

Should be one this year.

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Oyster Stew on Christmas Eve

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Going to Grandma’s house

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Hosting an open house for all our friends and family on Christmas Eve

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To donate what I can to St. Jude’s, Shriner’s Hospital, and Boy’s Town.

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We make sugar cookies and decorate them with frosting.

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Family dinner, carrots for the horses

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Everyone gets socks

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Going to church

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Getting together with family

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We open gifts one at a time so everyone can see what everybody got

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Christmas cookie baking, hanging candy canes on the tree, Santa Claus

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Taking my kids somewhere for a memory.

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We do finger food on Christmas Eve

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Having 20+ family members over for dinner.

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Candlelight service, reading the Christmas Story from the Bible

We enjoy watching Christmas movies, particularly It’s a Wonderful Life and Christmas Vacation. We also cut pine and cedar boughs the day after Thanksgiving to decorate our deck with. Getting together with family is something we enjoy every year also!

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The Fence Post | Country Christmas

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Family gathering - not always on Christmas Day but always during the holiday season

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Christmas breakfast.

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Christmas Dinner with all the family and extended family

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Getting together with friends and family

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Keeping Christ in Christmas

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Cutting a fresh tree with my kin.

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Certain Christmas tree ornaments no matter where we are cutting our own tree

THE WYOMING FLOOD: A YEAR LATER

Dashing

through

Denfver ee b e r e h W and water meet

Freestyle Reining, livestock sh more at Na ows and tional Wes tern

ad o nc ern s at Co lor Ra nc he rs tal k co tio n co nfe ren ce cia so As Ca ttle me n’s

SAMPLE OF OUR FENCE POST & SPECIAL EDITIONS:

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Country Christmas | The Fence Post

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Grandpaw’s Elf

BY RHONDA SEDGWICK STEARNS

With hands all brown and gnarly, yet gentle as could be Grandpa lifted Bucky up to hold him on his knee.

Pride was written ‘crost his face in every krinkly line, Lines that softened when he smiled, yet showed the wear of time.

Mom an’ me made paper chains an’ strung popcorn for trim.

To lift off that tree and cuddle, an’ let the mem’ries run

An’ as we worked Mom laughed with me an’ even sung a song

Of when he was a little boy, his daddy’s only son.

‘Bout the Savior an’ His greatest gift - freeing us from wrong.

“Well, tell me Grampaw,” Bucky urged, all impatiently While Grampaw struggled in his mind with painful memory.

“Let’s set here, sonny, where it’s warm, and gaze upon the tree

“Son, that was mine when I’s yer size”, the old man softly said,

Yer daddy hauled in from the woods - ain’t it dandy as can be?”

“My Momma bought it for me, with hair from off her head.

“This boy’s the one that’s dandy,” he mused all to himself;

See, times wuz tough, my folks wuz poor - ‘er, broke’s a better word -

The boy’s thoughts ran to Christmas, and he asked about the elf,

They had no money for Christmas, but then somewhere they heard

In bright green clothes an’ pointy shoes, an’ fur upon his hat An ornament, dangling from a limb, to tantalize the cat.

The old man’s eyes grew misty to hear the little voice

46

Bring up the very ornament that would’ve been his choice

The Fence Post | Country Christmas

Mom could sell her long dark hair, an’ money would be paid; She cut an’ sold it to buy food - an’ that elf - for me that day.

Dad brought in a droughtbound tree, all scraggly, with few limbs

On Christmas morn’ as I awoke, the tree was all aglow With candles twinklin’ ‘mongst the limbs - jest here an’ there they’d show.

Then I spied somethin’ else there, hung way up near the top It was this very elf, my boy an’ my eyes nearly popped When Momma reached an’ took it down an’ pressed it in my hand An’ said it wuz my very own, the best elf in the land!

I asked her what an elf was, an’ she said they wasn’t real, But that they represented things that we could only feel.

She said ‘There’s no way to see God, the Giver of all good,’ But when I’d see an’ hold my elf I’d know I really could

Depend upon the things God said, an’ know He cared for me,

Sure, there’s been droughts and blizzards, but they always made me grow

Then Bucky said, “Why Grampaw, now yer elf is here with me,

An’ that my life would turn out good in this “land of the free.”

In faith an’ strength an’ grit an’ try, ‘cause boy, I always knowed

An’ I feel sure that God is too, although I cannot see . . .

She said I shouldn’t ever fear, no matter what befell ‘Cause God knew all about it - an’ He was the one to tell

If I had special needs or wants, or dreams within my heart – He’d be right there, just like this elf, an’ always take my part!

My Momma died that winter, so me an’ Dad wuz left alone; Except I always had my elf, an’ her words to let me know

That God was there though I couldn’t see, an’ so wuz Momma’s love

The very truth my Momma taught that long ago Christmas Eve, That everything is possible if we will just BELIEVE!

There’s soldier boys an’ soldier girls an’ people of all kinds In places far away from here, with no Christmas tree tonight;

So what y’r Momma said was true, ‘bout things we only feel ‘Cause you an’ me are certain that Christmas time is REAL!

So, Grampaw, let’s tell all the world - they surely ought to know Merry Christmas, God loves you. That’s why He makes snow.

I just hope they’ve got some elves an’ somethin’ they set stock in.”

Bucky said “I wish they were here, so they could hear you talkin’!”

An’ that’s been true all through my life, sure as stars above!

I’ve lived good on this ol’ land, with friends and plenty health, Had a home and love an’ fam’ly - the better part of wealth!

Country Christmas | The Fence Post

47

Advertiser Index Agri-Enterprises, Inc. .......................................................................29

Johnstown Clothing ......................................................................... 37

Baer’s Pantry .......................................................................................29

Linnebur Auctions .............................................................................16

Beaver Valley Supply Co., Inc. .........................................................1

Pawnee Buttes Seed Inc. ............................................................... 37

Buffalo Brand Seed ..........................................................................19

Pinnacle Trailer Sales .......................................................................19

Centennial Livestock Auction .......................................................16

Stockyards Lumber .........................................................Back Cover

Colorado Pork Producers Council ....................................24 & 25

The Fence Post...................................................................................45

Greeley Tribune Craft & Gift Show.............. Inside Back Cover

Twombly Arena ....................................................................................3

High Country Horse, LLC................................................................48 High Plains New Holland ..............................Inside Front Cover

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The Fence Post | Country Christmas

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