Homestead holidays

Things move to a different beat around here.  While the bulk of Americans are getting stirred up by the corporate media push to buy, buy, buy and celebrate misconstrued holidays on their shopping schedule, we like to take a more thoughtful approach that fits our lifestyle.

Well, I guess that comes off sounding cynical and scrooge-ish, and maybe it is.  What it comes down to is that we don't like to be told what to do and when to do it.  Especially when whatever it is is costly and inconvenient.

Think about it:  the classical Thanksgiving holiday is scheduled at a ridiculous time for people in the North country.  I mean, we harvested like two months ago.  Seriously, there hasn't been anything fresh around here for weeks and weeks while we've endured subzero temperatures and deepening snow banks.

I feel much the same about the rest of Americanized holidays, each for their own reason.  Even birthdays, while they have their own special importance, are celebrated differently and in their own time around here.  For instance, our daughters birthday is an excuse to go fishing.  Mine is for breaking out the skis.

Xmas is a homespun holiday around here, that gets celebrated without storebought stuff.  That's right, no ornaments or decorations from town, and no shopping for gifts.  And we do it when the time is right for our family... I mean what is December 25th anyway?  If you MUST shop, its better after Xmas... and a fine time to show the corporate world what you think of their schedule.

Diamonds and pink candy for Valentine's Day?  I don't think so.  How about a little love every day of the year and no extra spending?!  Now egg hunts for easter... that's something I can almost get into, because by that time the chickens are starting to wander out and about as the snowpack lessens- and daily egg hunts are beginning in earnest as the Araucanas try their best to hide their wild nests.

Now, don't get me wrong... we do like to get together, celebrate, be thankful and spoil each other.  We just like to do it throughout the year when it makes sense for our family.  So birthdays get pushed back until we have time to recognize them, and harvest parties happen in September.  

Even fourth of July fireworks are pointless here in the land of the midnight sun.  You can't see them, so what's the point besides alot of noise?  We do our fireworks in the depth of winter... what a great way to shoot off solstice and start the REAL new year.

All this said, we picked up a lovely goose this week from a friends place near town.  He was just gorgeous.  He lived one night in the coop with my hens, and now he's chilling in the roasting pan until we decide to feast... sometime after my husband flies out of the bush from trapping and is ready for a good meal.

Meanwhile, we are grateful for each day on this mountain, reaping the bounty of all the hard work that goes into creating a sustainable life for our family.  A warm cabin, a well-stocked pantry, bodies and minds that glow with healthy energy... yep, its all worth it.  Cheers!