Our family don't do Christmas. Not religiously, not culturally, not socially. It's just not our thing.
So you can imagine this time of year feels a bit strange. Mostly it's fine. Sometimes it feels like there's this great big party that everyone but us is invited to. But then it's also this lovely peaceful time when we have no place to go, no one to see and loads of time to spend together doing jobs we haven't had time for all year.
Today we spent a few hours in poly tunnel two. Last September we seeded tomatoes onto drip line to see if we could avoid all the pricking out and transplant shock that slows the whole growing process down every year. We had thought we were clever and on to a new thing. We had thought we would have extra early tomatoes this season.
And while poly tunnel one has thrived and grown beautiful healthy plants that look right on track for our earliest season ever, for some reason we neglected poly tunnel two. And the fat hen and dandelions took over. And the poly tunnel became a poly jungle (thanks Dee x).
So we yanked all the weeds out and fed them to the chooks. We disposed of the nest of eggs that had been there for goodness knows how long. We trellised all the vines. We fertilised them and composted them and watered them in. We whispered sweet blessings to them. And then we tucked them all into a bed of mulch.
Now all that's left to do is to irrigate them and hope that they bulk up, blossom and fruit.
From our family to yours, wonderful wishes for a merry and sweet Christmas. And if it's not your thing, enjoy the quiet and the peace.
And happy growing.
xx
I'm going to wish you a random happy-time-of-year then, Kate. I've loved every moment of your blog this year. See you in the new. x
ReplyDeleteHappy Summer holidays!!
ReplyDeleteLove your tomato rescue! Enjoy your wonderful family time x Jane
ReplyDeleteEnjoy what you do! Glad I've found your blog x
ReplyDeleteHappy not-having-to-do holidays! We don't do Christmas, either, but we love the lights and music and all fun of it. And the best part is that we don't have any of the work. No malls, no shopping, no rushing around. Dinner with friends who do celebrate. It's a freebie holiday!
ReplyDeleteSame for my family. We don't do the holidays altogether and not for religious reasons either. We just celebrate every day instead. Since making the decision to do so a few years back it's been so freeing, in unexpected ways.
ReplyDeleteDear Kate, happy good life to you and your lovely family!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your beautiful blog, I always warm my heart seeing your comments and your pictures.
Happy Summer Holidays to you and your lovely family. Thank you for your lovely blog, it is one of my must-reads and I can't wait to see what adventures you all have up your sleeves for next year.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a nice peaceful time.
ReplyDeleteBest decision we made was to stop the madness and cease the insanity of buying frenzies and overeating extravaganzas. Isn't it ever so much better this way ?~! We are happier, less stressed, freer to do what we choose and love our precious ones every single day of each year. Blessing to you and your delightful family.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your family time, I envy your peace. Xxx
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your special time together.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Meredith
Such a clever little video Kate, love it! Good luck for poly tunnel two, it looks neat, tidy and productive now! That well hidden nest of eggs is adorable.
ReplyDeleteIt is really interesting reading how many of your readers don't do Christmas. We do Christmas but in a low key way and we are increasingly becoming more aware of keeping it that way. Happy, peaceful days to you and your farming family x
Beautiful Kate. I love that video so much! Sometimes I wish we didn't do Christmas, it's a bit bonkers really.
ReplyDeletexx
Wish we could weed at that pace all the time! Great little video - lovely to record the small and big achievements of day to day! happy day at home to you! Here's to happy rescued tomatoes !After many years of Christmas crazy we now apply the KISS principle (Keep it simple....)with bacon and egg breakfast, dessert 'trolley' on demand and lounge around watching kids play! Perfect!
ReplyDeleteChristmas or not, you are giving your children such a wonderful family, home, way of life, to grow up in. It seems that they get many "gifts" throughout the year, so I don't think they are missing out!
ReplyDeleteNo Christmas makes me feel a little sad - not because of missing the crazy buying rush around no time for yourselves - but for the hope, joy, peace and love that knowing God's son came to earth to give us. To be involved with us. I love your blog. I love your life with your kids. Keep enjoying each other - it's lovely.
ReplyDeleteBut you know - as much as I hope you know Jesus, I absolutely love that you are not swayed or forced to do something because society does it that way. You've got me thinking. Oh and love your video!!! So clever
ReplyDeleteI think its lovely that you aren't all wrapped up in the chaos of christmas, and that you truly get to spend each time with each other without all that stress!!
ReplyDeleteabsolutely gorgeous! we really simplified our whole christmas outlook this year. No present, just for the kids, a family gathering, everyone bring one plate and we just enjoyed time together - bliss! your poly tunnel jungle looks like fun! loved your blog Kate this year and all you've achieved. May 2014 be just as amazing! xx
ReplyDeleteSo much work done! I like how hens found the way in and nested there... It really is a little jungle. :)
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