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Merry Christmas!

Christmas has finally arrived here at VG Farms. It is finally white and actually looks like Christmas. Before I go on, let me issue an apology for the lack of blog posts these past few weeks. Between my end-of-semester finals and my father’s busy work-load, it has been difficult to find the time to write. So consider this special Christmas edition a gift from us to you.



As any family does, the Van Gilst’s hold several Christmas traditions. Some are small and informal – like watching National Lampoons Christmas Vacation at least a half dozen times. Others are a bit more significant – such as gathering with each side of the family (Van Gilst and Branderhorst) to celebrate the holidays alongside grandparents, aunts and uncles, and an endless supply of cousins. We watch the Iowa Hawkeyes play in their bowl game (fingers crossed for a victory in a few days) and occasionally us boys will head off to Iowa City to catch some hoops. Whatever it may be, there is never a dull moment over the holidays.



Work on the farm doesn’t stop, but it does change. Usual work schedules are adjusted to leave employees free to be with their families on Christmas eve and day. We think this is incredibly important despite the crammed days it creates. I guess it helps that I come home and help with all the vital tasks, including power washing. A few employees are willing to come in during the holidays and pull their weight – it may be Christmas, but pigs still need to eat. Perhaps these men will receive some Christmas cookies as a token of our appreciation.


At the heart of all the Christmas shenanigans that occur, we try to remind ourselves of why we celebrate. We place a single black ornament on our nearly all white Christmas tree to remind us that we are sinful. It reminds us that Christ had to come to earth to redeem us from our broken state and provide true salvation. It is something that is truly worth celebrating – it what gives hope to all of mankind. In the midst of all your holiday traditions, we hope you remember this message too.


Well, I’d love to stay and tell you stories of past Christmas’s that involved a lot more snow, but my dad is honking the car horn (we’re going to another family gathering). So I’ll quit writing and wish you all a Merry Christmas on behalf of VG Farms and the Van Gilst family. 

- VG Farms 

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