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Episode Summary:
In this episode of Cultivate Contentment, I dive into what Christmas looks like on our farm and how it has evolved over the years. While Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year, it comes with its own unique set of challenges, especially when you're juggling farm life and family expectations. I used to put a lot of pressure on myself to create the perfect holiday for my boys, but over time, I’ve learned to let go of that impossible standard and focus more on the meaningful moments.
Christmas on a farm is far from the idyllic snowy scenes you see in movies—it's hot, cows still need milking, and the work doesn’t stop just because it’s a holiday. In this episode, I reflect on the changes I’ve made to celebrate the season without letting the pressure take away the joy. From gift-giving strategies to finding time to enjoy the day amidst the farm chores, I share my personal journey of simplifying Christmas and making it work for our family in a way that feels right.
Key Points from This Episode:
The Reality of Christmas on the Farm:
Life on the farm doesn’t stop for Christmas. The cows still need to be milked twice a day, even on Christmas morning. I talk about how this changes the flow of our holiday compared to what many people might picture—a cozy, snowy Christmas morning by the fire. In reality, it’s often hot, busy, and far from traditional, but we’ve found ways to make it special despite the demands of farm life.
Letting Go of the ‘Perfect’ Christmas:
For years, I put a huge amount of pressure on myself to create the perfect Christmas for my boys. Whether it was buying the perfect gifts, organizing festive activities, or trying to do it all, I thought that perfection was key to making Christmas magical. Over time, I realized that the small moments are what truly count, and many of the things I stressed over were quickly forgotten by the kids. Now, I focus on being present rather than trying to meet impossible standards.
The Gift-Giving Strategy:
I’ve adopted a simple and thoughtful approach to gift-giving for my kids using the "want, wear, need, read" method. Each boy gets a gift in these four categories, which helps avoid overloading them with stuff they don’t need while ensuring they get something special. I share examples of what each of my boys will be getting this year and how it has made Christmas gift-giving much less stressful for me. I also discuss how we’ve moved away from the days of endless noisy toys and piles of presents that end up forgotten.
Making Time for Family Amidst the Farm Chaos:
Despite the farm work, I try to carve out time to enjoy Christmas day with my family. Whether it’s finding a quiet moment between milking shifts to open gifts with the boys or gathering with family in the middle of the day, I talk about how we’ve learned to adjust our expectations. The key is creating a holiday that feels right for us, even if it doesn’t match up with the picture-perfect images we see in the media.
The Pressure to Create Magic for the Kids:
Christmas can be sensory overload for kids, especially when they’re bombarded with lights, presents, and social gatherings. I discuss how we handle the excitement and manage expectations to make the day enjoyable without adding unnecessary stress. By focusing on what really matters to our family, rather than trying to tick off a list of holiday activities, we’ve found a way to enjoy the season with less pressure.
Resources & Links:
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