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November 26 - December 5
Family Affairs
The Moocher and her clan.
Like all families, this one cannot remain together forever–-the young having to make their way in the world, the old having to struggle to maintain the place they have carved out for themselves. Sometime in November this extended family will once again separate, the males going into rut, competing with other males and perhaps each other before mating, the chances of either surviving hunting season slim. More ...
Happily, we humans have constructed The Holidays -- a fifth season stuffed between autumn and winter, during which we make extra effort to be with our families, however extended. Having family and friends for Thanksgiving weekend? Wondering what to do with them come Friday while the turkey soup simmers? Don't turn them out to rut! Here are some better ideas. Think Skylands for the Holidays!
Cottage Industry
The former Manager's Dwelling serves as the Christmas Cottage for this holiday event benefiting historic Lusscroft.
Located in the northwest corner of Sussex County, Lusscroft holds a unique place in the Garden State's vanishing rural heritage. After contributing important innovations in early 20th century dairy farming, the historic farm became a nationally renown research center until 1970. The 1,050-acre property, now a part of High Point State Park, also embraces some of our most inspiring scenic vistas, intriguing geology and interesting topography.
During this Saturday's Holiday Benefit (November 29),
three historic buildings, not normally accessible to the public, will be open: the historic Manor House, the Carriage House, and the Christmas Cottage! Talented crafters and interesting vendors will fill your holiday shopping list while you learn the history of Lusscroft and enjoy live music by the Skylands Dulcimer String Band performing in front of the massive fireplace in the Manor House. The Barn Sale will also be open during the Holiday Event. Check the website for schedules and more information.
The event is presented by the all-volunteer, non-profit Heritage and Agriculture Association, who maintain the extensive outdoor resources at Lusscroft as well as several restored buildings and barns, in cooperation with the NJ DEP/Division of Parks and Forestry. 10am-4pm, $5 admission (to the Manor House only) helps ongoing restoration efforts. 50 Neilson Road in Wantage.
Green Friday
Christmas tree farmers plan years in advance, provide year-round care, and invest time, labor, and love into a crop which takes 7-15 years from planting to harvest. Opting for a real Christmas tree for your holiday decor helps the local environment, local economy, even rural landscapes. And cutting your own Christmas tree can be a memorable family tradition.
Evergreen Valley Tree Farm opens the gates for the Christmas season on Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. The farm will be open from 9am to 4pm Wednesday through Sunday (closed Mondays and Tuesdays) until December 23rd. Thousands of trees stand at attention, awaiting your review. Walk through the fields, breathe the fresh air, choose and cut! The farm is located at 71 Jackson Valley Road in Washington Township, just off of Route 31. Click or call 908/835-0557.
Gather Together
This season, take note of the bounty on your plate. Some may think the sage-spiced stuffing and baked apples are just yummy people food, but plants, as someone once said, have their own secret life. Did you know you'll be eating ovaries, forbidden fruit and an arsenal of defense mechanisms?
Take a look at the plants on your table and think about why each has it's own color, scent, taste and texture.
What's it all about?
Ritual of Thanksgiving
Let this be a time to acknowledge our participation in the Earthly community of life.
Visit a body of water near your home, with family, friends, or alone. Reflect on the water's beauty. Observe where it meets the dry land. Acknowledge your deep connection to water and the place where you stand.
Touch the soil and water with your bare hands. Reflect on the feeling and texture. Pause and allow yourself to feel yourself as part of the Earth.
Bring a gift to the water. Something from your garden - a sprig of herbs, leaves, or seeds. Observe and reflect as your gift is received by the water.
Burn dried herbs or a candle. Consider the previous inhabitants the place in which you stand - wild creatures, plants, and First Nations peoples. Reflect on their loss and suffering. Express your sorrow. Ask for the guidance and courage to become a healer and protector of Earth’s life. Give thanks!
Now in its ninth year, this very special event continues to brighten the holiday season with candle-illuminated streets, Christmas exhibits, and demonstrations of Moravian Christmas traditions.
Thanks for joining us in our appreciation of Northwest New Jersey and all the brilliant ways to get out and enjoy the pleasures of the season. Tap our calendar for the best events for you and your family, or check our current stories.
Pick from a multitude of daytrip itineraries and watch out for our virtual efforts to keep you informed.
For the more aerobically inclined, the Outdoor Map shows the way to go, or
choose among dozens of natural attractions or outdoor activities suggested on our website.
Like many other small, independent and specialized information sources, our operation increasingly relies on reader donations. Help us keep you informed about all the great stuff to do in and around Northwest New Jersey! If you like what we offer, we hope you'll consider a contribution.
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