The Mindful Farmers Daily Diary Day 1013

Good morning everyone and welcome. Traditionally this is a very special day all stemming back to my childhood days in West Limerick. We would always like to have all the farm jobs complete by midday. Then the turkey and ham would be prepared and ready for the big day. The turkey would always be in the range of 14kg, specially selected from our own crop as my late Mam was a great turkey breeder and famous for the quality of her produce. My Dad bred the pigs and cured the hens all organically fed. He always insisted on two hams. One would be cooked and glazed for the crowd that would arrive after midnight mass. There was always a full house from about 1am to 3am. The ham would disappear right to the bone. This was a lovely custom. All the neighbours would arrive and really it was about thanksgiving for all their help during the year. A great night was always had and finished off with tea and homemade Christmas cake. The big day, Christmas day, would soon follow but before the crowd of neighbours disappeared my Mam would say there few words - "we bless the year for all we have learned, for all we love and for all we have lost and now again for the quiet and beautiful way it has brought us all together." Then she would bless everyone with Holy water as they crossed the threshold towards their home wishing them all a happy Christmas. I wish you all the same.

The Mindful Farmer

Patrick