Sights and Sounds of the Holiday Season

With Christmas just 20 days away, anticipation and excitement for the holiday often become wrapped in ribbons of stress and long to-do lists.
In between decorating, baking, and shopping this December, I hope you’ll find time to enjoy the holiday season with your family and friends. Just remember you don’t have to go to the mall or a big city to experience the sights and sounds of Christmas.
Every year, my family works together to transform our garden center into a holiday wonderland, so this year, plan a visit to Secluded Acres Farm and Garden Center in Rio Grande.
Growing up, I remember a special Saturday afternoon every December when Santa came to visit with families, friends and customers gathered together at the garden center.
We’re continuing the tradition this Saturday, Dec. 8 from 1-3 p.m.
Santa will arrive in bright red fire truck with lights flashing and sirens sounding. After greeting everyone, he’ll sit and spend time with the children.
They’ll have a chance to share their Christmas wishes and talk with him, while their families look on, taking the precious opportunity to snap lots of pictures. As each child bounces from Santa’s lap, he’ll send them off with a candy cane in hand.
During Santa’s visit, there will also be train rides for the children and hot apple cider to keep warm, as familiar Christmas songs fill the air and our garden trains run inside and outside.
If you can’t make it to see Santa this Saturday, visit another day to see our model trains carry Christmas cheer around the tracks.
As little girls, my sister and I always helped my Pop-Pop and Uncle Tom put out the Christmas train. This year, the red and green set is running around a holiday display in our store. While the Christmas train chugs along the floor, a diesel freight train runs back and forth along the ceiling.
These days, my cousin Ryan has become Pop’s assistant conductor. Together, Pop and Ryan will be running the trains around the garden Thursdays thru Sundays until Christmas from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
So before you’re tangled up in holiday stress, we invite you to join us this Saturday at 1 pm for Santa’s visit or Thursdays-Sundays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. to see our garden trains.
As you prepare for the holiday, may you take time to enjoy the season with a glimmer of childlike wonder.
—Submitted by Diane Frank Mills, Secluded Acres Farm and Garden Center (Open 9 a.m. every day through Christmas), 1024 Route 47 S, Rio Grande. Call 609-886-8574.