IT WAS, IN SOME WAYS, like going back to my childhood family farm in southwestern Minnesota. But rather than traveling 120 miles, I arrived from neighboring Faribault at Souba Greenhouse, a farm site and business on the western edge of Owatonna, for “Christmas on the Farm.”
Walking up the paved driveway edged with vehicles, I felt the cold, biting wind sweeping across the land. That, too, was familiar as prairie winds are seemingly ceaseless. A massive white barn snugged by two towering silos lent more familiarity.
And then I heard the tractor, the deafening snap snap of a 1928 Hart-Parr 18-36. It sounded a bit like the putt putt of my dad’s old John Deere, only much louder. Guests had already settled onto blanket-draped straw bales atop a wagon for a short ride around the farm yard. They were, I noted, warmly dressed with hoods and stocking caps topping heads. The bright sunshine fooled no one on this cold and windy Saturday morning. I skipped the wagon ride, something I’d typically enjoy.
Instead, I aimed for the warmth of the greenhouses, passing stands of Christmas trees displayed outdoors with more for sale inside an adjacent pole shed. Already I felt the warmth of the holiday season in this rural setting.
Stepping into the greenhouse, I was immediately drawn to a vintage International truck festooned with garland, a fake Santa propped inside the cab. “Vintage” fits Souba Greenhouse, established in 1892 as a Truck Farm. Today this wholesale and retail greenhouse is fifth-generation family owned by two cousins. The business grows annual flowers and vegetables.
Staff sported colorful matching Santa holiday sweaters, just the right festive fashion flair for the event.
Vendors ringed the greenhouse, peddling sweet treats, holiday décor, cleverly-packaged books and more.
And while I could have enjoyed complimentary popcorn and a hot drink as I wandered among the goods, poinsettias and more, I opted not to given I had my camera in hand. Folks shopped and chatted and smiled. Lots of smiles.
I waited inside a second greenhouse as families climbed into a sleigh for photos with Santa. I wanted a photo of Santa only. No need for me to pose with him.
And then it was back outside for a look at the Christmas tree selection. I prefer a scraggly Charlie Brown tree to perfectly-shaped. But I didn’t find that at Souba Greenhouse. What I discovered instead was the spirit of the holiday on a piece of land that took me back in time to the farm. There’s comfort in that, in stepping onto a farm yard complete with barn, silos and pole sheds, a noisy tractor, lounging cattle and a horse munching hay. This felt very much like “Christmas on the Farm” to this farm-rooted girl.
Copyright 2024 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
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