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By Ron Eichner
As the year comes to a close, we find ourselves in the busy and reflective month of December. This month holds significant moments and traditions, beginning with Advent Sunday on December 1. For many, Advent is a time of prayer, fasting, and preparation for Christmas, observed over the four Sundays leading up to December 25.
On December 6, St. Nicholas Day, children and grandchildren eagerly await small gifts like candies and coins, traditionally left in shoes set out the night before. The celebration of St. Nicholas reminds us of the joy of giving during the holiday season.
December 7 marks National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, a solemn time to honor the lives lost during the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. This event changed the course of history and signaled the United States’ entry into World War II.
As fall transitions into winter, we reach the winter solstice on December 21, the shortest day of the year. From this point forward, the days will gradually grow longer, bringing the promise of brighter days ahead. December’s full moon, called the “Cold Moon,” will reach its peak on December 15 at 4:02 a.m. EST.
The tradition of decorating evergreen trees for Christmas originated in Germany over 400 years ago and has since become a cherished part of holiday celebrations worldwide. Another December favorite, the vibrant poinsettia, remains a top choice for holiday décor. Our cousin, Matt King, lovingly grows poinsettias for area churches, including St. Alphonsus and St. Alexis.
Christmas Eve, on December 24, ushers in the joy of Christmas. The following day, December 25, celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, the greatest gift ever given to humanity. The month ends with New Year’s Eve on December 31, a time to reflect on the past year and embrace the new one with hope and determination.
This year brought weather challenges to Western Pennsylvania, with a rainy start and five droughts over the summer and fall. For farmers and gardeners, these conditions highlighted the importance of local agriculture. People are increasingly seeking fresh, locally sourced foods, moving away from mass-produced options to embrace the "farm-to-table" experience.
At Eichner’s Whole Farm and Greenhouses, we offer a variety of fresh, wholesome products year-round. From super lean, fully cooked hams and six types of sausage to farm-fresh eggs and Canadian bacon, we’ve got everything you need for hearty, old-fashioned meals. Our bakery delights include homemade biscotti, cookies, fudge, and fruit pies, while our famous sauerkraut remains a New Year’s favorite.
Nestled in the valley, our family farm is more than a market—it’s a year-round destination. Open seven days a week, we welcome you to visit us at 285 Richard Road, Wexford, and experience all we have to offer. This holiday season, let us be part of your family’s traditions.
From all of us at Eichner’s Whole Farm and Greenhouses, we wish you a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year! Bring a friend and discover the rest of the story.
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