Christmas on the Farm 2010

Christmas on the Farm 2010 was a wonderful success.  Thank you to each and every one of you who braved the cold temps to help us with this event.  Attendance was very good and the Toys for Tots drive got a great boost.

The day started with everyone assembling for a group picture on the steps of the Bushong house.  The boys and Troy had already headed to the Military Camp so they didn't make it into the main group photo, though they did get a group shot of their own.

Troy, Ben, Daniel, Evan and Justin portrayed a camp of Confederates (with one captured Union soldier) who were encamped in the Valley during December of 1864.  Based on the experiences of the 51st Virginia Infantry, they told of the hardships and shortages that marked that Christmas.  The Northern Virginia Daily featured the event and especially the camp in two articles.  Check them out at: http://www.nvdaily.com/news/2010/12/christmas-on-the-farm-to-modernize.php

and http://www.nvdaily.com/news/2010/12/glimpse-of-the-past-event-focuses-on-holidays-of-1864.php

The house was dressed in its best Christmas finery to welcome guests.  Can you find the train in the picture on the left?  Guests were encouraged to look for a train at each station.


As the day wound down, and the temperatures plummeted, we headed to the barn for our family Christmas dinner.  Dinner was followed by the young people taking a whack at our party bag, a 19th century version of a pinata.  Ours was filled with candy and gifts for the youngest volunteers.  Abby found out that flying candy can pack quite a sting.  We also played a game called, "You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile".  Dennis won a round of applause for being one the few who could keep a straight face while the rest of us took turns trying to make him smile.

Special thanks to Tiffany for capturing the day in beautiful images.
Check them out at www.flickr.com/groups/nmbshpvolunteers

All in all, it was a very good day.  I hope you and your family have a blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year.  We'll see you in the spring for Homeschool Day 2011!

Stacey