This week I wanted to take a break from all the work happening on the farm and talk about what Christmas is like on the farm. 

My grandpa used to tell us that in Ukraine (at least when he was a kid) that the weeks surrounding Christmas were a celebration. Everything was put away for the year and families would spend time traveling to different villages, visiting extended family and friends, and just enjoying each other’s company. I sincerely wish we still did this. I wish we took the time to really appreciate all the special things in our lives. 

We don’t get to do quite that much relaxing anymore, but this season is a little slower on the farm. And it’s definitely very special.

Being farm kids, we’re used to be outside. So, while we enjoy our video and computer games, we also have to get back out there — even in the winter. Christmas break in Michigan usually means snow. And we spent lots of hours out in it. Building forts, exploring, and (yes) building snowmen. 

One of the things I love is the special gifts we get from neighbors and other farmers. For example, this year, we were given two cases of honey from a bee farmer for letting him use some of our farmland for his bees. A truly unique gift and very personal, as well.

During the holidays special treats were always a big part of our celebrations. On one side of the family we had a bunch of Ukrainian specialties (with names of things that I couldn’t begin to spell for you!) and, on the other side, my grandma made some of the best traditional holiday goodies ever.

Meals were also an important time to sit down together and enjoy family. Every Christmas we always have a big dinner with more food than is reasonably necessary. 

Our family is also pretty similar to a lot of other families out there — we have a lot of the same holiday traditions. 

And some years, we actually get out of town for a while! 

We don’t normally get any type of vacation during the summer. We’re always working and always going. So Christmas break was the time that mom and dad might pack us up in the car and drive down to Florida for the week.

I’m sure that’s different than most families, who probably have the option of taking vacation time during the summer or spring. 

Of course, the most important part of the holiday is the reason we’re celebrating – the birth of Christ. Every year you’ll find us – as a family – at midnight mass on Christmas Eve. It’s a very special time for us and definitely one of the highlights of our celebrations. 

I hope all of you have a very Merry Christmas and find time to relax and reflect on the wonderful gifts we’ve received throughout the year.

Feel free to share your own holiday thoughts in the comments. I’d love to hear what makes your Christmas special too!