WINTER CELEBRATION

The residents of Huckleberry Hollow had their own winter celebrations, just as we do. Their custom of hanging a wreath on their front door is similar to ours in the Western world. They often used fir or cedar branches, weaving dried bright red serviceberries (Amelancheir alnifolia) into the evergreen boughs. The tips of the boughs hanging from the top of Mrs. Trowbridge's painting are coast Douglas-fir needles (Pseudotshuga menziesii). They are commonly found in the Olympic Rain Forest.

It is my hope that you are having a blessed holiday season with your family and friends.

HOLIDAY MEMORIES WITH FERN

Mrs. Trowbridge met her friend, Fern, one day when Fern was passing by on the path to the village. Mrs. T was at her mailbox, retrieving her morning mail. Fern had just moved to Huckleberry Hollow from a village in the North Woods. They chatted at the mailbox and soon became fast friends.

Fern cherished her portrait. Mrs. T wrote in one of her journal entries that Fern proudly hung her portrait over the hearth in her parlor. It would undoubtedly have become a family heirloom.

There's nothing like friends and family to enrich our lives, especially at Christmas time.