Have you ever wondered why the Three Wise Men brought myrrh and frankincense?
Why we kiss under the mistletoe and put holly on the mantel? Did you know that Santa’s reindeer represent hallucinogenic mushroom journeys taken by Laplanders, and that your fragrant evergreen Christmas tree not only looks and smells beautiful, but is purifying and disinfecting the air around it at the same time?
On Nov. 26, you can join medical herbalist and horticulture therapist Chanchal Cabrera for a fascinating, fun and informative evening exploring the medicinal uses and traditional rituals associated with plants of the Christmas season.
This evening lecture, which is free, will run from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Innisfree Farm at 3636 Trent Rd. in Royston.
Another special Innisfree event is Chanchal’s coming Make Your Own Christmas Gifts workshop.
We all know that a handmade gift is the most treasured. In these days of fast and disposable culture, people appreciate the extra thought and effort that goes into making a unique gift. Handmade herbal gifts are especially nice found tucked under the tree or into a stocking. Useful, beautiful, natural, truly local and health enhancing, they are sure to delight friends and please your family.
The gift-making workshop will run Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Come prepared to be busy, make new friends, sip tea and have fun while you make an assortment of items to take home.
For details and to register, call 250-336-8767.
— Innisfree Farm