Many people lament the loss of tradition and good old-fashioned family values during the 21st century holiday season. As technology becomes a more present influence in our lives, going back to a simpler time – when families and friends came together to share the warmth and excitement of the most wonderful time of the year – is a common refrain. Lucky for us all, then, that the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum heard that yearning and decided to fill the niche with their annual Farm La-La event, taking place this year on Tuesday, Dec. 17.
Celebrating its third year, the Farm La-La is a fun, festive holiday experience harkening back to that simpler time, when Christmas lights were as tech as it got, and activities such as trolly rides, crafting and consuming s’mores and hot chocolate were the call of the day. Hosted by the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, it is part of a series of New Mexico traditions held throughout the state during the holiday season.
“I think what sets this event apart from some of our other events, like Cowboy Days in March, is that it’s a wintertime event, with activities both inside and outside the museum,” said Naomi Terry, the museum’s deputy director. “Whether it’s Christmas or Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, we want people to feel welcome, no matter how they celebrate the season.”
Among the many ways to celebrate at Farm La-La are activity stations inside the museum, where people can make a Christmas ornament, or even a marshmallow snowman, to take home. One of the more popular offerings is a trolly pulled by a tractor that crosses the historical green bridge, which is festooned with lights, and takes a small tour around the animal pens to view the livestock. Of course, all of the museum’s exhibits will also be open, and both employees and volunteers will be on hand to answer any questions that may arise.
“I think this event captures the vibe and the energy of the season,” said Terry. “The trolly ride is a very simple and short ride, but it gives people the opportunity to see the Farm and Ranch Museum through a different lens. It’s at night, with the festive lights, and the cold air and the smell of s’mores. It’s a very different vibe from what you might get during an afternoon visit. Everybody is so excited, kids and adults alike, that they get to the visit the museum at night. There’s a lot of excitement in the air.”
The best part about it, according to Terry, is the memories that are created during the event. “At first I was really surprised that kids would put that much thought into something so simple as making an ornament, but they really do understand that they are making something that will remind them of this time in their lives. … It’s not just a trip to the museum,” she said.
It's this sort of engagement that makes the Farm La-La such an important addition to the holiday season, especially during a time when fellowship and joy are in such short supply. We can all use a break every now and then. This event allows us to disengage from our electronics and remind ourselves, and our children, that joy can be found in the most unexpected of places.
“Farm La-La brings us back to basics,” Terry concludes. “It’s about spending time with your loved ones and neighbors. There is no fancy technology here, it’s all being done the way things have been done for generations. It’s about relationships and enjoying time with other people, whether it’s a child, a grandparent, a friend, or maybe even a friend you’ve made that night. It brings us back to what life is all about.”
Farm La-La runs from 5-8 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 17. Admission is $5 per family and includes access to all of the museum’s exhibits. The New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum is located at 4100 Dripping Springs Rd., Las Cruces. More information is available via 575-522-4100.
