December on the farm is relatively quiet, but step into the bakery and you’ll find where the energy lives. The small, cottage space is abuzz with activity, girded by various holiday playlists, hands and bodies in motion making pie dough, holiday fillings, and cookies on repeat. We’ve unofficially made the Linus and Lucy song by the Vince Guaraldi Trio the soundtrack to our Groundhog Day-like hustle. Its rhythm lends an apt cadence and necessary levity to our long days.
After several weeks of back to back to back markets, this week is the final week for the bakery team, culminating in the last big delivery of 2022 this Friday. We end our season on the same day every year, December 23, and then lean hard into an extended break.
Of course this end date means we have practically zero time to think about gift-giving until the absolute last minute. Catch me driving all over creation on Christmas Eve trying to make up for lost time.
In those meditative hours/days/weeks standing over a baking bench, I’ve had plenty of time to conjure up a list of small businesses and individuals who make thoughtful items worth purchasing. This small list is for the procrastinators and seasonal workers alike, for the ones who wait until the last minute out of necessity or habit. Even if you’re already done with your holiday shopping, this list is evergreen. Small businesses need your support year-round.
Whispering Willow Lemongrass Natural Hand Soap : I am obsessed with this soap and its makers, Julia and Wayne. Way back in the day, I worked inside the same farmers market space as these two and fell in love with their intentionally made natural products. Holiday shipping is over, but you can find a stockist here.
All Things Salve from Footnote Farmer: Trust me when I say this salve is the truth. A combination of comfrey root and leaf, calendula, chickweed, lavender, and plantain, this salve worked its magic on my oven-tinged arms. Organically grown on Sandi Eugenia’s farm in Carrboro, NC. You gotta email to get the goods—footnotefarmer@gmail.com
O+A Everyday Lotion: The Frankincense and Myrrh blend is my jam, but Vanessa makes this olive and aloe moisturizer in lavender and unscented versions too. Find a stockist in Charlotte and Asheville.
Wish We Had Acres Deodorant— we have been loyal to this natural deodorant for YEARS. I’m a fan of the Dirty Hippie and Lumbersexual scents. It’s a great stocking stuffer too.
Crop Stories: The Utopian Seed Project has revived this agricultural zine and released a brand new issue on Collards. It makes a great coffee table book and a perfect gift for the plant nerd in your life. Fun fact: I used to edit this ‘zine in its former life.
Oh Shit! I Love You card from Dustin Harbin: Our pal, Dusty, draws real good and we love getting a peek into his artist brain by subscribing to his Patreon. He recently released this adorably profane card. Buy one! Buy five! and tell the people in your life how much you love them.
Old North Shrub: What would a gift guide from Old North Farm be without a nod to the beverage that originated here? The Top Shelf Trio is a wonderful way to sample the signature flavors. Find it online or at the VTGCLT Pop Shop located at the Metropolitan Charlotte.
As soon as we finish this whirlwind of a holiday bake, we’ve got a recipe to share with you just in time for the New Year and a look back at our first full year operating as Old North Farm. It’s been an exciting 365 days and we’re looking forward to 2023.