How Corn Shows Up at Christmas


By Tara Desmond December 23, 2025

December doesn’t slow things down on the farm — it just changes the work. While the fields may no longer be green, farmers are deep into year-end business and planning: reviewing finances, ordering seed for the season ahead, fixing and maintaining equipment, caring for livestock with extra feed and shelter, and hauling stored grain to market.


Even in the middle of all that work, Christmas finds its way onto the farm. And so does corn — not just as a crop grown and harvested, but as a quiet part of the holiday season itself. From the drinks we share, to the gifts we give, to the stories we tell, corn shows up in places you might not expect.


This season, we pulled together a few fun reminders of how corn connects farm life to Christmas traditions — both on and off the farm.


1. A Toast to Corn in Every Cheer

When families gather around the fire and raise a glass, they’re often toasting with something crafted from corn. Corn not only fuels our farms — it fuels our celebrations too. From rich holiday ales to crisp lagers, corn brings holiday cheer to mugs across the Midwest and beyond.
Watch how corn plays a starring role in festive brews and spirits:

2. Gifts that Grow from the Ground Up

Ever wonder why certain gifts feel just right for Christmas morning? Some toys and treasures — made from renewable, corn-based materials — remind us that the best presents don’t have to come from far away. They can grow right here in the field. See corn-inspired gifts that make Christmas brighter.



3. Six Reasons Santa Could’ve Been a Farmer

Have you ever thought about Santa’s roots? Between long nights in the North Pole and feeding windswept reindeer, there’s something very agricultural about his spirit. In fact, Santa and farmers share a whole lot in common — from working through the night to spreading joy across the globe.
Here are six reasons Santa could’ve been a farmer too:

santa next to livestock on the farm

4. Elfanol and the Reindeer Feast

And of course, there’s the unsung holiday hero — elfanol. Reindeer can’t power through Christmas Eve without a little extra fuel, and in our story, the elves turn to a corn-based blend to keep the sleigh soaring. It’s a whimsical reminder that corn isn’t just a crop — it’s part of the magic.
Watch how corn keeps Santa’s team energized.


A Corn-Filled Christmas for All

This holiday season, as you laugh with loved ones, share gifts, toast with family, and watch the snow fall … remember that corn isn’t just in the fields. It’s in our traditions, our celebrations, and our stories.

From our fields to your festivities — Merry Christmas from IL Corn.


Not a member?

Become one today!

SHARE THIS

Latest Posts

Matt Raben
By Tara Desmond March 31, 2026
IL Corn builds global demand by partnering with poultry exporters because corn-fed poultry means stronger markets and more value for farmers at home.
thumbnail Mark Lambert
By Tara Desmond March 26, 2026
IL Corn's Mark Lambert reflects on decades of ag communications from stealing the office computer to Captain Corn and DC Metro takeovers.
Oliver
By Tara Desmond March 26, 2026
Marine veteran Oliver Kragelund lost his foot in a grain bin accident in Illinois. Now he's turning that tragedy into a mission for agricultural safety.
Evan Marr, Dan Parker, Don Guinnip, Tim Thompson, Marty Marr at Illinois Capitol
By Lyndi Allen March 26, 2026
The 56th Annual Illinois Agriculture Legislative Day was held on Tuesday, March 24. ICGA leaders attended the event, then met with eight key legislators to discuss IL Corn’s priorities.
A red tractor with a large sprayer attachment moves through a field of green corn plants on a cloudy day.
By Lyndi Allen March 26, 2026
Ag Groups Urge Action on Phosphate Fertilizer Duties Impacting Farmers, filed a letter with the Department of Commerce and the nation's two largest fertilizer producers
A hand reaches for a gas pump nozzle at a station with fuel grade buttons labeled 87, 89, and 91.
By Lyndi Allen March 26, 2026
The U.S. EPA announced on March 25, 2026, that it will use its existing authority to prevent drivers from losing access to lower-cost and lower-emission E15, a higher ethanol blend
NEWS release
By Lyndi Allen March 26, 2026
ICGA Statement on E15 Waiver
Lexi moving seed
By Tara Desmond March 24, 2026
Seventh-generation farmer Lexi Murray shares her journey of family, faith, and innovation on a sesquicentennial farm in east central Illinois.
The United States Capitol building featuring its iconic white dome against a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
By Lyndi Allen March 19, 2026
The Illinois congressional delegation understands Illinois corn farmers’ priorities and challenges better this week after meeting with ICGA leaders in Washington, D.C.
monarch sticker
By Tara Desmond March 19, 2026
Illinois corn farmers can request free milkweed seed through IL Corn’s Monarch Program to help restore habitat and support monarch butterflies.
Show More