This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links, with NO additional cost to you.
The holiday season is upon us, bringing with it the joy of celebrations and the warmth of family gatherings. But for many farm wives, this time of year also comes with its own set of challenges. The weather swings unpredictably, garden cleanup becomes urgent, and the extra cooking and parties pile on. While the farm’s workload may slow, the holiday hustle doesn't. And amidst all this, finding a moment to breathe can seem impossible.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the season's demands, remember—you are not alone. Let's explore some easy and simple self-care tips to help you find moments of peace and recharge during this bustling time.
Prioritize Devotional Time
In the midst of managing a farm and a household, it can be easy to lose sight of what truly grounds us. Carving out time for devotion and prayer can be a powerful way to reconnect with your faith and center yourself. Try setting aside even just 10 minutes each morning for reading and prayer. Use this time to express gratitude for the blessings in your life and seek strength for the challenges ahead.
Engage in Relaxation Activities
Taking time to relax is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Find activities that help you unwind and incorporate them into your routine. Whether it's enjoying a warm bath after a long day, listening to your favorite music while preparing meals, or curling up with a good book once the kids are asleep, these moments are vital for your well-being. Remember, relaxation doesn’t have to be time-consuming to be effective.
Reset Your Nervous System
With the constant busyness of the holiday season, your body and mind might be in overdrive. Taking intentional steps to reset your nervous system can help alleviate stress and bring you back to a state of calm. Consider practicing deep breathing exercises, stretching, or yoga. Even a quick dance party with your kids can work wonders in clearing your mind and soothing your spirit.
Create a Flexible Schedule
Flexibility can be your best friend during the holidays. With everything on your to-do list, try creating a schedule that allows room for spontaneity and change. Prioritize tasks but leave gaps for unexpected needs or opportunities to rest. This way, you maintain control over your time without feeling boxed in by a rigid plan.
Foster a Loving Environment
Your home is a haven for you and your family. Creating an inviting atmosphere doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Simple touches like homemade decorations, family movie nights, or baking cookies with the kids can fill your home with warmth and togetherness, emphasizing love and connection over perfection and expense.
Connect with Your Community
Remember, you’re part of a larger community of farm wives who share similar experiences and challenges. Reach out to friends or family members for support, or join local groups where you can share stories, advice, and encouragement. Sometimes, just knowing others understand can relieve stress and foster a sense of belonging.
Looking Ahead with Hope
The holiday season can be a wonderful time of celebration, but it’s important to take care of yourself amidst the whirlwind. By incorporating these self-care practices into your routine, you can find moments of peace and recharge, allowing you to enjoy the holidays with a renewed sense of joy and strength.
Remember, self-care is not selfish—it's essential. By taking care of yourself, you’re better equipped to love and support those around you, including your husband, children, and the farm. Here’s to a holiday season filled with peace, love, and endless possibilities for growth and transformation. You’ve got this.
Wanting a community to lean into? Join the FREE Thriving Through Farm Life: Wife’s Support Network! In our community, we embrace the challenges of farm life and provide a supportive space for wives facing the complexities of managing a family farm. Whether you're navigating financial pressures, day-to-day operations, or seeking ways to create a thriving home, we're here for you. Explore gardening and preserving tips for cultivating your own oasis, share insights on animal care, and discover practical family budgeting strategies. Together, let's grow through challenges, flourish authentically, and sow the seeds for a resilient and thriving farm life. Join us on this journey of resilience and abundance!
As I've grown in my journey as an entrepreneur, mom, gardener, and livestock owner, I struggled to find a planner that met my needs and kept me organized. So, I MADE MY OWN. You can look at it on the link below and buy it on amazon below.
Don't want the whole calendar part? I got you! I pulled the gardening and animal care pages out and put them in a book all their own.
Starting to garden doesn't have to be hard! I gathered all the tips I've learned over my gardening learning curve and made them into a simple course to jump start your gardening your life.
I've had 3 very different pregnancies. After the first traumatic birth, I learned better and how to care for my body naturally and prevent common pregnancy and birth problems before they arise. This quick course will get you the tools you need to have a naturally healthy pregnancy, labor, and delivery. My first pregnancy I had a normal western medicine all the things pregnancy. My second? I flipped to completely natural, no medicine. Bonus: Preventing Preeclampsia Without the Aspirin & Healing from Birth Trauma
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links, with NO additional cost to you.
Life on the farm can feel like riding a rollercoaster—thrilling at times, but often overwhelming and unsteady. For many farm wives, the chaos becomes a constant companion. Juggling the business side of farming, family responsibilities, and financial insecurity can leave you feeling exhausted and defeated. Yet, amidst the storm, there is a beacon of hope and peace that can guide you through—your faith.
The Power of Faith in Turbulent Times
Recently, our local church has been sharing a sermon series on peace, which couldn't have come at a better time for me personally. We’re navigating major life changes, from restructuring farming operations to launching new ventures, all while trying to maintain balance and structure at home. Here's an insight into how faith can anchor you during these turbulent times, summarized through the acronym PEACE:
P - Prayer
God knows your storm is coming before you get to it. Just as the disciples set out on the lake before the storm, Jesus is there with you. Peace is not an escape from the storm, but being with God in the storm. Peace comes from God. Prayer is talking with him. It helps us identify our needs and see where God meets us.
E - Evangel You
The world is full of noise, but whose voice are you listening to? Remind yourself of what God has said and done in your life. Reflect on the Good News and the blessings that have come your way. These reflections can be your source of strength and positivity, helping you counter the negativity around you.
A – Abide
Avail, to take advantage of what has been offered. Remember the story of Peter walking on water—fear overtook him despite Jesus being right there. Choosing to avail yourself means actively seeking and accepting God’s help, even when fear threatens to drown you.
C - Co-Journeyers
This is the one I have felt the most in the past year. The point of the church is not to tell you how to live for Jesus. You have the Bible for that. The church community is there to encourage each other. To praise when you can't, to pray when you can't find the words. We gather even when we have nothing to give, so those that do, can point us back to God and reconnect. We journey with others in community, to encourage one another and point them back to God.
Yes, there have been Sundays I simply stood there and listened to the songs. I didn't have the voice to sing praise. You know what happened? By the end of the service, I had reconnected with God. God reminded me who He is and what he has done.
E - Expanding the Kingdom
True peace comes when we shift focus from ourselves to the work God created us to do. Invest in those around you—your family, friends, and community. Remember, the only treasures you take to heaven are the people you've touched and brought to faith along the way.
Trusting God’s Timing
It’s okay to question and wonder why you face certain struggles; even the Bible is full of such stories (check out Job and Habakkuk). Acknowledge your questions and be open to God’s answers, trusting that He knows and is in charge of the timeline better than we can imagine
You may face financial insecurities and feel overwhelmed, but remember, peace is possible. Apply these principles of PEACE to live authentically and resiliently. Prioritize prayer, seek supportive communities, and continually remind yourself of God's presence and promises.
Will you trust God's timing? Even though I have nothing, I will rejoice in the LORD. Habakkuk 3:17-18 paraphrased.
You can thrive instead of just surviving. Create a home filled with love and comfort—a safe haven for your family amidst life's storms. With faith as your anchor, peace is within reach.
Wanting a community to lean into? Join the FREE Thriving Through Farm Life: Wife’s Support Network! In our community, we embrace the challenges of farm life and provide a supportive space for wives facing the complexities of managing a family farm. Whether you're navigating financial pressures, day-to-day operations, or seeking ways to create a thriving home, we're here for you. Explore gardening and preserving tips for cultivating your own oasis, share insights on animal care, and discover practical family budgeting strategies. Together, let's grow through challenges, flourish authentically, and sow the seeds for a resilient and thriving farm life. Join us on this journey of resilience and abundance!
As I've grown in my journey as an entrepreneur, mom, gardener, and livestock owner, I struggled to find a planner that met my needs and kept me organized. So, I MADE MY OWN. You can look at it on the link below and buy it on amazon below.
Don't want the whole calendar part? I got you! I pulled the gardening and animal care pages out and put them in a book all their own.
Starting to garden doesn't have to be hard! I gathered all the tips I've learned over my gardening learning curve and made them into a simple course to jump start your gardening your life.
Supporting Your Family Naturally from the Inside Out community!! This community is for Mommas, looking to Support Your Family from Nature for Wellness. Tips range from nutrition, herbals, detoxing, natural cleaning, and essential oils. Basically, all the things I’ve learned slowly over the past 5+ years of my journey. We have moved off Facebook, to better serve our community and be able to discuss openly options for providing for your family in the best way possible.
Join the FREE Community
Join the FREE Community
I've had 3 very different pregnancies. After the first traumatic birth, I learned better and how to care for my body naturally and prevent common pregnancy and birth problems before they arise. This quick course will get you the tools you need to have a naturally healthy pregnancy, labor, and delivery. My first pregnancy I had a normal western medicine all the things pregnancy. My second? I flipped to completely natural, no medicine. Bonus: Preventing Preeclampsia Without the Aspirin & Healing from Birth Trauma
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links, with NO additional cost to you.
Winter mornings on the farm can be brisk, especially when you're out feeding the animals. After a particularly blustery morning, I found myself longing for some hot chocolate to warm up my soul. My little ones were all too eager to join in this cozy treat. However, there's a twist—at the time both my toddler and I need to avoid dairy.
A Simple Solution for Dairy-Free Comfort
In the past, my mom would make a big batch of hot chocolate on the stove, but with just the three of us, that seemed excessive. I rummaged through my recipe box, hoping to find something adaptable, and luckily, I found two gems—a hot chocolate mix and a stovetop recipe. The mix was too dairy-heavy, but the stovetop recipe? Perfectly adaptable!
Crafting the Perfect Dairy-Free Mix
Here's how I created a delightful dairy-free hot chocolate mix, just the right size for our little family:
Ingredients for the Mix
- 6 parts sugar (coconut sugar works great if you're looking for a healthier option)
- 1 part cocoa powder
- A dash of cinnamon and nutmeg for added warmth and flavor
Instructions
- Layer the ingredients in an airtight container, starting with sugar, followed by cocoa, and then the spices. Fill until the container is about ¾ full.
- Secure the lid and give it a good shake to mix everything together.
This is excellent to keep on hand for my oldest to grab and make for herself or her siblings now if I'm busy.
Making the Hot Chocolate
Now, for the magic part—turning this mix into a comforting cup of hot chocolate:
Ingredients for One steaming Cup (split in half for small kids)
- ½ cup water (for a richer flavor skip the water and just use milk)
- ½ cup of your favorite milk alternative (I used almond milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon of the hot chocolate mix
Instructions
- Heat the milk alternative and vanilla in a pan on the stove while bringing water to a boil. In hindsight, you can combine these steps to save time.
- Ensure the milk is hot but not boiling, stirring frequently to prevent scalding.
- Place 1 tablespoon of the mix into the pan and mix in.
- Fill the mugs with the hot milk mixture.
- Sip and enjoy!
A Cozy Treat for the Family
We still enjoy this recipe four years later. The only thing I have changed is we now use raw A2/A2 milk from our family milk cow instead of milk alternatives. I will bribe the kids to help me finish something outside in exchange for a cup of hot chocolate when we are done.
Creating moments like these is what makes the hard work on the farm worthwhile. It’s about finding small pleasures and adapting to our needs, without letting constraints hold us back.
If you're navigating similar challenges, know that you're not alone. Together, we can find warmth and comfort in the little things, even on tight budgets and busy schedules. Here's to sweet, nurturing moments with our loved ones.
Join the Thriving Through Life group on Facebook linked below for likeminded community support and encouragement.
Wanting a community to lean into? Join the FREE Thriving Through Farm Life: Wife’s Support Network! In our community, we embrace the challenges of farm life and provide a supportive space for wives facing the complexities of managing a family farm. Whether you're navigating financial pressures, day-to-day operations, or seeking ways to create a thriving home, we're here for you. Explore gardening and preserving tips for cultivating your own oasis, share insights on animal care, and discover practical family budgeting strategies. Together, let's grow through challenges, flourish authentically, and sow the seeds for a resilient and thriving farm life. Join us on this journey of resilience and abundance!
As I've grown in my journey as an entrepreneur, mom, gardener, and livestock owner, I struggled to find a planner that met my needs and kept me organized. So, I MADE MY OWN. You can look at it on the link below and buy it on amazon below.
Don't want the whole calendar part? I got you! I pulled the gardening and animal care pages out and put them in a book all their own.
Starting to garden doesn't have to be hard! I gathered all the tips I've learned over my gardening learning curve and made them into a simple course to jump start your gardening your life.
Supporting Your Family Naturally from the Inside Out community!! This community is for Mommas, looking to Support Your Family from Nature for Wellness. Tips range from nutrition, herbals, detoxing, natural cleaning, and essential oils. Basically, all the things I’ve learned slowly over the past 5+ years of my journey. We have moved off Facebook, to better serve our community and be able to discuss openly options for providing for your family in the best way possible.
Join the FREE Community
Join the FREE Community
I've had 3 very different pregnancies. After the first traumatic birth, I learned better and how to care for my body naturally and prevent common pregnancy and birth problems before they arise. This quick course will get you the tools you need to have a naturally healthy pregnancy, labor, and delivery. My first pregnancy I had a normal western medicine all the things pregnancy. My second? I flipped to completely natural, no medicine. Bonus: Preventing Preeclampsia Without the Aspirin & Healing from Birth Trauma
