This holiday season, I’m embracing a slow, meaningful Christmas with my family. From device-free cozy movie nights and quality family time to plant-based meals and mindful living, I’m focusing on connection, simplicity, and joy. Even without decorations or a working oven, we’re making the season special while staying stress-free and intentional.
The holiday season often comes with a rush of commercial pressures, endless to-do lists, and stress. This year, I’ve made a conscious decision to slow down, focus on what truly matters, and create a meaningful, peaceful holiday for my family. In this first entry of Barefoot Girl’s Diary, I want to share how I’ve been cultivating simplicity, quality family time, and mindful living during this busy season.
Slowing Down the Holidays
For me, the heart of the holidays is not decorations or elaborate events, but time, connection, and intention. This year, I’m fully embracing a slow and meaningful holiday season, reflecting on ways to keep the season calm, joyful, and stress-free. My goal is to avoid commercial pressures and focus on what truly matters.
I’ve written many posts on this blog about slow, intentional holiday living, and now I’m putting those ideas into practice fully. Instead of letting tasks and expectations overwhelm me, I focus on what brings joy, presence, and connection to our home.
One of the ways I’m putting these ideas into practice is by creating intentional spaces and routines that encourage family connection. From cozy, device-free movie nights to shared meals and fun board games, we’re carving out moments that matter. Each small choice—whether it’s how we spend an evening or the foods we prepare—helps reinforce a slow and meaningful holiday season, allowing us to enjoy the present rather than rushing through it.
Family Time Without Distractions
One of the most impactful changes we’ve made is creating a family-focused space in our home. In this cozy area, we have:
- A huge, comfy couch with plenty of pillows, blankets, and footrests
- Tables for drinks and snacks
- Board games and card games
- A large TV for cozy movie nights
The key? No personal devices allowed. Each of us designates this time to be fully present together. It’s amazing how much our mood and the energy of our home have improved. Watching movies, playing games, or just talking has strengthened our bond and brought real peace to our daily lives.
One thing that has made our family time even more special is finding ways to get my teens out of their rooms and truly engaged with each other. I shared a post called “How to Get Your Teens Out of Their Rooms for Fun Family Games!” that highlights simple, enjoyable ways to bring everyone together in our family room. With our cozy setup—comfy couch, blankets, snacks, and a space free from personal devices—it’s amazing how much laughter and connection happen when we dedicate time to spend together.
Nourishing Our Bodies and Spirits
Food is another way I nurture family happiness and health. We follow a mostly plant-based lifestyle, focusing on whole foods rather than processed vegan products. Preparing healthy, delicious meals for my family brings me joy and keeps our energy high.
Even when challenges arise—like my oven breaking down—I’ve taken it in stride. Rather than stressing, I’ve used it as an opportunity to get creative with the foods we love. Stovetop tortillas, vegetable garden pizza, and other alternatives have become fun ways to serve nourishing meals without pressure. I have made it a point not to stress about my broken oven as a baker (neighbors want those Amish whoopie pies!) while I wait for the oven parts to be delivered and fixed.
Finding Joy Amidst Challenges
This year has not been easy. I lost my dad, who was a huge inspiration in my life. His storytelling and advice shaped me, and his absence is deeply felt, especially by my mom and sons. It’s been a time of healing and reflection, but also of gratitude for the moments we still share and the memories we carry.
On top of that, chronic pain and weakness have been a part of my life over the past year. Slowly, I’ve regained my strength, and that progress brings me hope and energy to fully engage in the season.
Even practical challenges, like a stuck garage door preventing us from getting our Christmas tree and decorations, have nudged me further into simplicity. This year, we are celebrating a decoration-free holiday, which fits perfectly with my slow and meaningful holiday approach. My sons don’t mind at all—they are excited about the gifts, which my blog has helped fund this year, and that fills me with gratitude for my community and readers.
Gratitude for My Community and Blog Success
I’m humbled by the support I’ve received from my readers and subscribers. Seeing my blog grow and knowing it allows me to provide for my family is one of the greatest gifts. Sharing my experiences, tips, and honest reflections with all of you makes this season feel even more special to me!
This community has become such a meaningful part of my life. Every comment, message, and interaction reminds me why I started this blog—to connect, inspire, and share real-life experiences from our cottage homestead, self-sufficient lifestyle. Your support not only helps my family but also encourages me to keep exploring new ideas, trying creative projects, and celebrating the small joys of everyday life. Knowing that my stories and tips resonate with others makes this holiday season feel richer and more rewarding than ever.
A Merry, Mindful Christmas
This year, I am choosing presence over perfection, simplicity over stress, and connection over consumption. Whether it’s family movie nights, creative meals, or heartfelt conversations, slowing down has made the holidays more meaningful than ever.
To all my readers, I want to wish you a Merry Christmas filled with love, peace, and mindful joy. I hope you find ways to create a slow, meaningful holiday that nourishes your heart, your family, and your home!
Blessings,
Mindy
The Off Grid Barefoot Girl
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