Christmas on the homestead is a time of simplicity, warmth, and connection. It’s not about flashy decorations or extravagant gifts, but about the beauty of nature, homemade traditions, and the joy of slowing down to appreciate the small moments. Here at Huckleberry Farms, we cherish our homestead Christmas as a reflection of the sustainable, family-oriented life we live year-round.
Embracing the Magic of Simplicity
There’s something deeply magical about a Christmas spent close to the land. From decorating with natural elements to preparing meals made from ingredients grown right on the farm, homestead Christmas traditions remind us of the beauty in simplicity.
One of the traditions we hold dear is letting each child open a gift on Christmas Eve. Afterward, the younger children head to bed, while the oldest child gets to play a special role—Santa’s helper. Since we don’t believe in lying to our children about Santa, this tradition fosters a true ‘Santa spirit’ in the home. Throughout the year, my oldest helps me pick out stocking stuffers, ensuring that each item is thoughtful and tailored to their siblings’ interests. On Christmas Eve night, they assist in filling stockings and placing any extra gifts under the tree. It’s a beautiful way to keep the magic of Christmas alive without the burden of dishonesty, and it allows them to participate in the joy of giving for the younger siblings.
Handmade Gifts: Thoughtful and Personal
There’s nothing quite like a gift made with love and care. On the homestead, we often create handmade gifts using resources from the farm or materials found in nature. Simple projects, like homemade jams, herbal salves, and handcrafted soaps, are personal and meaningful. These gifts come with a story—whether it’s the berries we picked for jam in the summer or the beeswax we harvested for candles, each item connects us to the land and the seasons.
For those looking to start their own tradition of handmade gifts, here are a few ideas that can be made on a homestead or with items from your garden or pantry:
- Herbal Tea Blends: Dried herbs like mint, chamomile, and lavender can be combined to create soothing tea blends.
- Knitted or Crocheted Scarves: If you have wool from your own sheep or just love to knit, handmade scarves or mittens are always cherished.
- Preserves and Jams: Use fruits from your summer harvest to create delicious preserves.
- Homemade Candles: Beeswax candles are easy to make and bring the warm scent of the hive into your home during the cold winter months.
DIY Decorations from Nature
Instead of buying plastic decorations, homesteaders can look to nature for their Christmas décor. At Huckleberry Farms, we love to use natural elements to create festive, eco-friendly decorations. Evergreen branches, pinecones, and dried citrus slices make wonderful additions to wreaths, garlands, and centerpieces.
If you’re looking for inspiration, here are some ideas for DIY decorations that you can create with materials from your yard or local environment:
- Evergreen Wreaths: Gather pine, cedar, or fir branches and weave them into a wreath. Add dried berries or a handmade bow for a personal touch.
- Dried Fruit Ornaments: Slice oranges, apples, or lemons, dry them in the oven, and hang them on the tree with a bit of twine.
- Pinecone Garlands: String together pinecones with ribbon to create a natural garland for your mantel or porch.
- Homemade Stockings: Sew stockings from scraps of fabric or repurpose old clothing to create something new.
An Old-Fashioned Christmas Dinner
On Christmas morning at Huckleberry Farms, I’m usually up before anyone else. I prepare a cozy breakfast—usually fruit turnovers or cinnamon rolls—and make sure the coffee is ready for Larry. While everyone is still asleep, I head outside to complete the morning farm chores: checking on the animals, letting out the birds, and collecting early morning eggs.
Once the kids wake up, we gather around the tree, open stockings, and enjoy breakfast together. Our present-opening tradition starts with the youngest child and works its way up to the oldest, allowing each child to have their moment without the frenzy of tearing through everything at once.
After gifts are opened and cleaned up, the day carries on with our usual farm chores. While Christmas is a special time, life on the homestead doesn’t pause for holidays—there are still animals to care for and tasks to be done.
For Christmas dinner, we focus on creating a meal using ingredients from the farm. Whether it’s a roast chicken we raised ourselves, potatoes from our garden, or eggs from our hens, the goal is to celebrate the abundance of the land. Preparing a meal with food we’ve worked hard to grow and raise adds a sense of gratitude and fulfillment to the day.
If you’re looking to create an old-fashioned Christmas dinner on your own homestead, here are some ideas:
- Roast Chicken or Turkey: If you raise poultry, nothing beats a homegrown bird roasted with fresh herbs.
- Root Vegetable Casserole: Carrots, parsnips, and potatoes can be roasted together with garlic and rosemary for a hearty side dish.
- Fresh Eggs: Use eggs from your hens to bake pies, cakes, or quiches for a festive dessert or brunch dish.
- Preserved Summer Bounty: Pull out jars of pickles, jams, or sauces you preserved in the summer to add a touch of warmth to your winter meal.
Connecting with Nature During the Holidays
While many spend Christmas indoors by the fire, we like to take time to connect with nature. Whether it’s a brisk walk through the snow-covered fields or a quiet moment feeding the animals, the simple act of being outside reminds us of the cycles of life and the seasons.
For those looking to start a tradition of spending time outdoors during the holidays, here are a few ways to connect with nature:
- Winter Walks: Bundle up and take a walk through your yard, fields, or nearby woods. Notice the beauty of the landscape in its winter form—bare trees, frost-covered grass, and the quiet of nature.
- Animal Care: Christmas is a wonderful time to show extra love to the animals on the farm. Giving them a special treat or spending time grooming and caring for them adds to the festive spirit.
- Bird Watching: Set up a bird feeder and watch as winter birds flock to your yard. This can be a peaceful activity for the whole family to enjoy.
- Solstice Celebrations: If you’re interested in honoring the changing of the seasons, consider incorporating a solstice celebration into your holiday traditions. Lighting candles, making a bonfire, or reflecting on the light and darkness of the year are all ways to mark this natural transition.
A Christmas Full of Joy and Gratitude
At its core, Christmas on the homestead is about appreciating the simple pleasures—family, food, nature, and the joy of giving. It’s not about extravagant gifts or elaborate parties but about the warmth and love that come from spending time together and living in harmony with the land.
Whether you’re a seasoned homesteader or just beginning your journey, there’s something truly special about celebrating Christmas in a way that aligns with the values of simplicity, sustainability, and gratitude. By focusing on handmade gifts, natural decorations, and homegrown meals, you can create a holiday season that is full of joy and meaning.
This year, as you gather with loved ones, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the land, the warmth of your home, and the gift of living in tune with the world around you. From all of us here at Huckleberry Farms, we wish you a joyful, peaceful, and heartfelt homestead Christmas.
