Creating Family Traditions and Holiday Memories

After they were married in 1938, Willard and Evelyn Latham made their home in rural Franklin County. Their former house – on an Iowa Century Farm – remains home to Latham Hi-Tech Seeds.

Family traditions are important to us, as one might guess since Latham Hi-Tech Seeds has been family owned for more than 65 years.  We’re proud to carry on the tradition of producing high-quality, high-yielding seed that Willard Latham began back in 1947.

With the holidays approaching, I find myself reflecting on family Christmas traditions.  One tradition started by Willard’s wife, Evelyn Latham, was giving popcorn balls to each of her 12 grandchildren when the family gathered on Christmas.  Everyone looked forward to receiving her handmade gifts of love, and I remember how special I felt the year I was given my very own popcorn ball.  Isn’t it funny how such a little thing can mean so much?

One of my family’s traditions was tagging a live tree from the Boy Scouts Christmas tree farm in Greene and then decorating it the day after Thanksgiving.  This year, on the day after Thanksgiving, John and I took our kids to a local farm where we picked out an Iowa grown tree.  Friday was a beautiful, sunny winter’s day but crisp and cool enough outside that spiced apple cider was a welcome treat.  We had fun decorating it later that afternoon, recalling special events and favorite family vacations as we hung the ornaments.

John Latham hangs an ornament on the company tree

My favorites are the decorations made from pinecones and puzzle pieces made by our children; I love seeing their little faces smiling back at me from ornaments they made in grade school.  My how they’ve grown and changed!  As much as life changes, it’s good to know that the true meaning of Christmas remains constant and true.

How does your family keep Christmas meaningful?