Unearth Holiday Magic: The Sweet Simplicity of Our Christmas Morning Orange Tradition (and Inspire Others!)

The holidays, with their shimmering lights and promise of cheer, can sometimes feel… overwhelming. Gift-giving pressures, endless shopping lists, and the sheer volume of stuff threaten to overshadow the true spirit of the season: connection, gratitude, and simple joy. At Better Homes and Harvests, we believe in rediscovering the magic through embracing homesteading principles – resourcefulness, a connection to nature, and a focus on what truly matters: family and loved ones. Today, I want to share a deeply cherished Christmas tradition that perfectly embodies this spirit: our Christmas Morning Oranges.

A Simple Tradition, Rich in Meaning

Our Christmas Morning Orange tradition isn't about elaborate decorations or expensive gifts. It's about slowing down, savoring the moment, and appreciating the simple sweetness of life. On Christmas morning, after the flurry of opening presents subsides, and before the chaos of cooking breakfast begins, we gather together. Each person receives a single, perfectly ripe orange.

But here's the catch: we don't just peel and eat it. Instead, we take our time, carefully peeling the orange in one continuous spiral. The goal is to create the longest peel possible. Then, holding the peel by one end, we twirl it around our heads three times, making a wish with each spin. Finally, we toss the peel into the fire (or compost, depending on the weather) and savor the juicy segments of the orange, one by one.

The Story Behind the Orange

This tradition started quite by accident. Years ago, when money was tight, and our homestead was just a fledgling dream, Christmas looked… different. We focused on handmade gifts and experiences rather than store-bought items. One year, a friend gifted us a large bag of beautiful, fragrant oranges. On Christmas morning, feeling a little disappointed by the lack of "stuff", my children were restless. I grabbed an orange, peeled it in a spiral, and showed them how to make a wish. It was silly, it was simple, but it was fun.

The kids loved the challenge of creating the longest peel, the swirling motion of the wishes, and the sweet, tangy taste of the orange. It became a moment of connection, a pause amidst the holiday frenzy. And so, the Christmas Morning Orange tradition was born. It’s a reminder that joy doesn't come from material possessions, but from shared experiences and grateful hearts – key tenets of Thanksgiving Homesteading, Christmas Homesteading Traditions, and New Year's Homesteading.

More Than Just an Orange: Cultivating Gratitude and Mindfulness

While seemingly simple, this tradition offers so much more than just a sweet treat. It encourages us to be mindful. Peeling the orange slowly and carefully requires focus and attention. It's a mini-meditation, a chance to be present in the moment and appreciate the small things.

It also fosters gratitude. As we savor each segment, we reflect on the blessings in our lives – our health, our family, our cozy home, and the abundance of nature around us. This aligns perfectly with sustainable holiday traditions.

Furthermore, the tradition reinforces the value of resourcefulness. The orange peel, often discarded, becomes an integral part of the ritual. We transform something ordinary into something meaningful, embodying the homesteading spirit of waste reduction and repurposing. Even the act of tossing the peel into the fire (or compost) is a conscious act of returning to the earth. It’s a small, tangible way to connect with nature and acknowledge our place within its cycle, contributing to natural Christmas decor.

Adapting the Tradition for Your Own Home

The beauty of the Christmas Morning Orange tradition is its adaptability. You don't need a sprawling homestead to embrace it. Here are a few ways to tailor it to your own circumstances:

• Location: No fireplace? No problem! Compost the peels, use them to make candied orange peel, or dry them to add to potpourri.
• Budget: Oranges can be purchased in bulk to reduce costs. Look for local, in-season options for the best flavor and lowest price.
• Family Size: Adjust the number of oranges to suit your family. Even a single orange shared between two people can be a powerful symbol of connection.
• Skill Level: This activity requires no special skills or tools. It's perfect for all ages and abilities.
• Variations: Add a drop of essential oil (like clove or cinnamon) to the orange peel before tossing it for an aromatic twist. You could also write down your wishes on small pieces of paper and burn those in place of the peels.
• Homemade Gifts: If you're looking for homemade holiday gifts, consider making orange-infused olive oil or sugar scrubs using the zest. This aligns with DIY holiday crafts.

Beyond the Orange: Embracing Homesteading Holidays

The Christmas Morning Orange is just one small example of how we infuse homesteading principles into our holiday celebrations. We also:

• Create handmade gifts: Sewn stockings from recycled fabric scraps, beeswax candles poured with dried lavender from our garden, and jars of homemade jam are all cherished gifts. This exemplifies homemade holiday gifts.

• Decorate with foraged greens: A wreath crafted from pine boughs, bittersweet berries, and dried seed heads adds a touch of natural beauty to our home. This reflects natural Christmas decor.

• Cook with seasonal ingredients: A warming winter squash soup made with squash from our garden and topped with homemade croutons is a comforting and nourishing meal. This highlights DIY holiday recipes.

These practices contribute to seasonal homesteading holidays and farmhouse Christmas traditions.

A Recipe for Spiced Apple Cider (Perfect for Sipping After Your Orange)

Speaking of seasonal ingredients, here's a simple recipe for spiced apple cider that's perfect for sipping after your Christmas Morning Orange:

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon apple cider
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice berries
• Optional: Star anise, fresh ginger slices, cardamom pods

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large pot or slow cooker.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours, to allow the spices to infuse the cider.
3. Strain the cider through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the spices and orange slices.
4. Serve warm and enjoy!

This simple recipe aligns perfectly with easy Thanksgiving recipes using homegrown herbs, reflecting seasonal homesteading holidays.

Rediscovering the Magic

In a world that often equates the holidays with consumerism and excess, it's refreshing to rediscover the magic in simple, heartfelt traditions. The Christmas Morning Orange, with its focus on mindfulness, gratitude, and connection, is a powerful reminder of what truly matters: the love we share with our family and the beauty we find in the natural world.

This holiday season, I encourage you to unearth your own holiday magic by embracing homesteading principles. Whether it's crafting handmade gifts, foraging for natural decorations, or simply slowing down to savor a single orange, remember that the most meaningful celebrations are often the simplest.

What are your favorite ways to celebrate the holidays the homestead way? Share your traditions in the comments below! This is a great way to share your homestead holiday traditions.

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