A Catskills Christmas on the Farm

AImagine holidays of years past , wh ere h ot co co a , b e au t i f u l an tiq ue decorations, wreath-making, handmad e gi f ts and seei n g yo u r n e igh bors was the norm. Catskills Christmas on the Farm

By Chelsea Frisbee

Black Friday doesn’t have to involve long lines, stress, bright lights and waking up early to beat the crowds. There’s another, more wholesome game here in the Catskills.

Imagine holidays of years past, where hot cocoa, beautiful antique decorations, wreath-making, handmade gifts and seeing your neighbors was the norm. No time travel required; you can experience this at “A Catskills Christmas on the Farm” at Maple Shade Farm in Delhi.

A Catskills Christmas on the Farm takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, Nov. 25, Saturday, Nov. 26 and Saturday, Dec. 3. In its 18th year, this event offers an opportunity for local shopping in a stunning historic barn, complete with hot cocoa, wreaths and greenery, baked goods, kids’ activities and even a warming bonfire.

Co-owners Abby and Jay Wilson of Maple Shade Farm.

The event takes place in the Wilson’s historic 1700s barn.

“Many years ago, our family friends, Mary and Sharon Tucker, invited us to bring some items to their event, Christmas on the Farm. It was the sweetest event! They opened their home and had folks fill their rooms and walls with displays of wonderful items for the holidays. When they stopped doing this event, I jumped at the opportunity to host it and to expand it, while carrying on the tradition of showcasing friends and neighbors.”

Pick up a homemade wreath for your front door from the Delhi event.

Abby Wilson, co-owner of Maple Shade Farm, said the event grew from fond memories.

“As a creative person, I’ve always loved making handmade gifts and started making things in college to sell with my mom,” she said. “Many years ago, our family friends, Mary and Sharon Tucker, invited us to bring some items to their event, Christmas on the Farm. It was the sweetest event! They opened their home and had folks fill their rooms and walls with displays of wonderful items for the holidays. When they stopped doing this event, I jumped at the opportunity to host it and to expand it, while carrying on the tradition of showcasing friends and neighbors.”

Something for Everyone

A Catskills Christmas on the Farm is the place to go for unique holiday gifts, many handmade or homemade by local craftspeople, farmers and artisans. There’s honey, jams, maple syrup, art, antiques, candles and more. Although the barn has been turned into an event space, the rustic feel of wood, the lingering smell of hay and the twinkle of Christmas lights invite visitors back to a time when holidays were more than the biggest deal or latest consumer trend. Wilson and her husband, Jay, take what some places aim for with Small Business Saturday and create an experience beyond retail. The sound of excited young voices mixes with steaming hot chocolate and maybe even a few snowflakes to set the holiday spirit in motion.

The setting of the three-story, 1785 barn makes the event even more special.

“There is something for everyone,” Wilson said. “You have to walk through a few times to really see everything. The farm market is open on the first floor, where you can find honey, milk, cheese and varied treasures, and the second floor features mini shops and scenes to meander through: a candy shop, local spirits and the Grinch’s Greens shop. The third floor features antiques, arts and tablescapes, where the whole scene is for sale and there’s even a make-your-own hot cocoa bar. We also have the ‘Island of Misfit Toys’ shop for those bargain shoppers. There are always little photo spots around the farm and mini sessions will be an option with a local photographer, just in time for those holiday cards.”

Community Cheer

Abby and Jay love bringing the community out to Maple Shade Farm. Every fall, the popular Taste of the Catskills festival attracts hundreds of people for local food, vendors, crafts, workshops and live music. Maple Shade also hosts weddings and events throughout the warmer months, with couples and their friends and family enjoying the 200-acre historic farm and its outbuildings, including a three-story barn, mountain views, pond and beautiful stone walls. The space is also available for private and corporate events and photo and video shoots.

“This event is a labor of love,” Wilson said. “It’s inefficient, a bit chaotic, a bit chilly at times and sometimes things don’t always add up at the end of the day … but it’s so much fun. We take a lot of pride in the economic impact our events have. It was always our main goal to showcase local farmers, artisans and makers bringing people to this beautiful area.”

Learn more at mapleshadefarmny.com/events, call 607-4355382 or visit Maple Shade Farm at 2066 county Road 18, Delhi. f

A ‘Love, Joy, Happy Holidays!’ banner is featured in this undated photo from A Catskills Christmas on the Farm. Find the perfect hand-crafted gift for the holidays.

Catskills Christmas

Photos Contributed

Creative decorations are available for purchase at A Catskills Christmas on the Farm. Greenery and holiday decorations galore are pictured at the Delhi event.