You've heard it. I've heard it. But at this moment, I'm hell bent on keeping it the reality: Keeping it simple.
Culture is already swimming with holiday ideas and trinkets to fill up our time and empty our wallets. This is the time of year when I try and make a point to tuck away into my little farm hole where no one can find me and distract me from the pure magic that is advent.
Besides the fact that the daylight only lasts for 4 hours, or so it seems, it's a pretty wonderful time – no?
To make it all the more magical, we brought home a new puppy a few weeks back. Rex, ‘king' of the farm, is now happily acclimated to life on The Elliott Homestead in all it's madness and glory. He's found a permanent spot on the new front porch where he can rest and keep watch over the animals and the children. If even the slightest commotion is detected, such as when the neighbor orchardist began to blow out his sprinkler lines, Rex will face the ‘danger' and begin to furociously protect that which is his – his family – us.
And for a teeny little puppy, that's pretty wonderful to see.
The snow has yet to fly, though temperatures keep reminding us that it's close, so there are a few jewels in the garden that continue to bless us. Mint and lavender are still welcomed additions to baked goods – and if nothing else – look beautiful in vases on the kitchen counter. The egg production has slowed down considerably, but that's to be expected. We'll have spring omelettes soon enough.
Part of keeping it simple, this time of year, means intentionally focusing on what we have. Not what we want. Giving gifts is a wonderful blessing and is certainly a fun way to spend a morning, but we are continuing our keeping is simple plan of: something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read.
It makes it joyful and simple to buy gifts for the littles. They know what to expect and we know what we're on the hunt for instead of buy all the things! mode.
We keep the same plan with each other, and truth be told, this is the first year I feel really excited about the gifts I have in store for that beautiful husband of mine.
You've heard me say it – he's a much better gift giver than I because we, by nature, gift in different ways. I prefer practical gifts. He prefers novelty gifts. We spent a few years buying each other what we would want if we were that person instead of actually thinking about what they would want. Since we came to this realization years ago, it's been hard for me to adapt to thinking like the ‘ol Stu man. But this year, maybe – just maybe, I'll get close.
Keeping it simple also reminds me to appreciate this ‘ol farm. This time last year, we were waist deep in snow, trying to pack up our rental home, and crossing our fingers that the sale of the homestead didn't totally fall through and leave us homeless.
Last winter sucked. Last winter was a season of our lives I hope to never revisit.
Because we're here. And now, this is our home. And this year, we get to have a proper Christmas tree, garlands around our fireplace, and peace in knowing our animals are safe, warm, and tucked in cozy for the cold months ahead.
And speaking of cold months ahead – wouldn't you agree that now is the perfect time to hatch a few dozen chicks?
No?
Well… never mind on that then.
Keeping it simple means fueling the fire of inspiration and falling in love with the life that we've built. It doesn't need to be anything other than what it is. It's messy, good Lord, it's so messy. And it's frustrating. And it's sloppy. But that doesn't mean I can't spend time continuing to fall in love with Mother Goose and Matilda, two new geese that were just rehomed to our flock.
Is it a flock of geese?
Gather of geese?
I can't remember. So many animal terms… such limited brain space…
With the HUGE release of Family Table this past fall (snag an extra copy for Christmas here!) and the anticipated release of Welcome To The Farm in the spring, it's certainly been a year of projects – of building – of release. And now, if only for a moment, I'm allowing this season to fill my cup.
Literally. With apple cider and hot chocolate and honey lattes and london fogs. Fill that cup, yo.
Keeping it simple doesn't mean the work stops. It means I'm intentional about eliminating the cheap… the disposable… the commercial. It means that I'm intentional about giving thanks, so many thanks, to the one who provides us with every breath, every moment, and every detail.
And Amen.
Erika
Less is more!!!
Michelle
It’s a gaggle Shaye. A gaggle of geese. 🙂
Peacock Orchard
Man I wish I hadn’t come to your blog today. our 6 month old great pyr puppy just died. His kidneys didn’t grow with him and yeah, tough.
Whoo. I’m a downer.
Keep it simple!
Lyndsey
I’m so sorry you lost your puppy. It’s hard when there is nothing we can do. I hope things feel better in time.
Amanda
Beautiful, Shaye! Well put 🙂
Tara Howard
Thanks, Shaye — always the pursuer of truth and all things (ahem truly!) important!!! I needed this today! This year, I shall take my 5 yr old son to a soup kitchen for the 1st time to begin what will be an annual tradition to take part in what the TRUE meaning of Christmas is: GIVING of ones time. Now THAT’S something I can get behind! Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Dani
Keeping it simple this time of year is key. This is wonderfully written, thank you!
Camille
It is a gaggle of geese! I don’t know why. I k ow turkeys should be called a gang. Those birds definitely like to pick on everyone else. Including the geese 🙂
CeAnne @ St. Fiacre's Farm
You said ADVENT! Someone else said Advent, yay! We are also tucked quietly away as can be, fasting instead of feasting, lighting our Advent wreath, saying our Advent prayers and waiting….. waiting for Baby Jesus in the sweet silence against the worlds current. Christmas will come on the 25th along with our Infant Lord and then we will celebrate and feast for 40 days!!!
Kit
Congratulations on the newest member of your family. Do you Make him stay outside all the time?
Shaye Elliott
I’d like to say yes… but no. He comes in with me at night to sit by the fire. Ha.
Debbie
Thank you so much. I so needed to read this today.
Barbara McKinley
I just love reading your blog Shaye……you have such a unique and special way of relaying about your wonderful family and life on the farm ♥ I enjoy it so much thank you!
Getty
So glad Rex has become one of the family and has taken so well after his daddy. May you all spend many fruitful years together!
Janet Hurley
So excited for you to have Rex! Our 2 GP’s are wonderful with farm animals and special needs kids!
Beth
where did you get your puppy? We’re in the same neck of the woods and I am looking. Please pm me and let me know.
Thanks, and blessings to you
Catherine
Thank you Shaye; a beautiful reminder of what this season (and life) is really all about????
Melissa Griffiths | Bless this Mess
Just made the hashbrowns from your book this morning! SO good and so easy!
Kati
My husband and I were just discussing the crazy month we have ahead of us. I want to climb into a hole, but I have an annoying habit of saying yes to things and over extend myself. How do you decide which activities you participate in?
Rita Jensen
Glad I stopped by to read about keeping it simple for the holiday. I try every year to do this and I try to share with family that this is the way it should be BUT my husband’s side like to go way out and expects or it appears they expect lots of gifts. This makes it hard to keep it simple. Luckily my side like it more simple with just a gift for the children. If we were still young with little children then this would be easy but as grandparents we are made to feel guilty for not spending. Any ideas on how to get the family to SIMPLE without causing bad feelings at the holidays? I really would love simple and really admire your family for not being worldly. Have a wonderful “SIMPLE, Merry Christmas!!
Quincy
I love you Shaye! Your words speak to my soul and fill MY cup, you have such a vision of what’s important. I wish I could sip London fogs with you and pick your brain!!! Happy holidays!
Casey McCully
Shaye-
Keeping it simple can be such a struggle during the holidays and something that is difficult to stay mindful of when you have a bunch of hungry mouths constantly keeping you busy! I needed the reminder to stay centered and thankful for what is important this season, thank you!
-Casey
Katie Coddington
I so truly enjoy your beautifully written sentiments; your message of simplicity speaks right to my heart! Thanks! I just ordered your Family Table; I am so looking forward to its arrival.
Julie
My husband and have been talking back and forth about doing this and after reading your post we have decided it is definitely the right choice for us too. Here’s to a wonderfully simple Christmas, filled with family and love the way the day was intended. <3
Lauren @ Hillsborough Homesteading
I go through these phases too. I like to think it’s falling in line with the natural ebb and flow of life. The yang of summer, the yin of winter. Summer is about action, activity, growth, noise, sunlight. Winter is about turning inwards and stoking the home fires, reflecting, resting, quiet, and darkness. Even when I find myself planning new projects, or thinking ahead to the Spring, I stop myself and know that there’s a right time for everything. Now is the time to sit quiet and keep it simple. Lovely post!
Gina
Less is definitely more. My husband and I didn’t really celebrate with gifts this year. No one in our family received any from us and didn’t expect any. They all know we’re in the process of buying our own homestead. The fact that we have yet to see this amazing place I’ve been imagining for years is irrelevant. All our money goes to bills and it. Other than a couple practical necessities we needed, we celebrated with cookie baking and cocoa. It was a holiday of delicious things every moment and every bite.