Christmas Cleaning and Baking 2023 | Why We Didn't Celebrate Christmas | Christmas Decorating 2023

[@pattyhansen7563]

18:51 OMG!! That same beanie baby wolf pup was my younger daughter's sleep buddy for YEARS! Seeing that took me right back. I have one very neat kid (except when it comes to the bathroom. For some reason she thinks it is her personal beauty salon. She just graduated cosmetology school, so go figure...) but I have one untidy one. The untidy one is not ever happy if I help her clean & she struggles to do so on her own, because she struggles to get rid of things. I have given up on it. I can't put any more physical & emotional effort into helping her try to devise a 'system' for keeping it clean. We have tried everything & by 17 I guess I just don't feel responsible anymore for it. I gave it my best effort for years; assisting her to clean up & clean out, to create organization methods, rewards, punishments, enticements of sleepovers, etc..nothing has worked. She often gets frustrated because she loses things or has to wear the same clothes over & over, because all the other cool ones 'disappear' & all that can be found is the newly washed ones on top. i try to point out that she needs to fix the ROOT of the problem, but alas....

[@Onedya]

Your message about judgement and balance is so full of wisdom!

[@PlumOrchardFarm]

We don’t celebrate Christmas, and have been judged by so many people for that. I think some people just like to be judgmental lol. I do feel that it’s important (especially for my son) to have fun traditions to look forward to and have the excitement of receiving presents, so we have created our own. I celebrated Christmas until I was a young adult before deciding not to, and it was a big change. I can only imagine how difficult that would be as a child.

[@lindarochefort9520]

In Leviticus God has 7 feasts that point to Jesus birth to His return. They are not Jewish feasts they are God's feasts. And every week Friday night to Saturday sundown is Sabbath. So many times to celebrate our God!

[@brittdoesacartwheel]

Most realistic kids rooms I’ve seen! I’m not a mom but am a nanny and it’s amazing how quick kids spaces can get out of hand! I applaud you for the honesty 👏🏻

[@mountainmamashome]

Britt, thank you so much for sharing this and saying that!

[@jmessick8163]

We have once fallen into the beliefs you grew up with. By the grace of our Lord have found our way back, away from all the judgements. It was time in my husband and I lives that has actually made us better with giving grace to ourselves and others in the now. I understand Paul’s writings better and the verses concerning for not judging people by what they eat, sabbaths kept and feasts each celebrates, etc because of the process we had gone through. This will be our family’s first Christmas with our younger two children, they were babies when we had our last one. What a blessing for all the seasons in our lives! 🌟 Merry Christmas from our family to y’all’s! ✝️ ❤️ and blessings, Linda

[@DustAndGraceASMR]

I had a very similar childhood Christmas experience. We didn't celebrate Christmas at all but I adored the decorations and music etc you'd see everywhere else. My church and family were also very judgemental about it. I've been living with my husband (who always kept Christmas) for three years now. This is the first year I've been able to overcome some of that ingrained guilt enough to commit to decorations. I've even learnt to make fruit cake! We still don't have a Christmas tree but each year I'm learning to let go of guilt and step into the joy and freedom the Lord has blessed us with 💜🙏

[@camieschuiteman1364]

Sweet Shayla, thank you for blessing mamas with an unhurried, peaceful, and lovely reflection of God's grace. He IS grace upon grace! You have encouraged me this morning!❤

[@mountainmamashome]

You are welcome, thank you for sharing this, Camie!

[@mountainmamashome]

Hello! Merry Christmas to all! ✝️

[@emmahelps1188]

Merry Christmas to you all! 😊🎄

[@bondfam18]

Thank you for being 100% real. I appreciate the non Pinterest worthy bedrooms. It’s so refreshing to see people actually living and not putting on a show for others (dirt/clay and all 😉).

[@GRMichigander]

Mama of 4 here (the last two were born 15 mins apart!) They are adults now. 2 are very organized and 2 are not! I too homeschooled my kiddos (it was illegal at the time - YIKES!) So this is bringing back memories! I like that you keep it "real" on your channel!

[@minihomesteadcooking]

The story you shared was incredible sad. I'm so sorry. I'm glad you are teaching your children God's love .

[@nicolekee1]

I just watched a video with a sweet KZbin who received the same judgment for not celebrating Christmas. We decided to give up Christmas for hanukkah and the biblical holydays it's been so much fun learning all this new stuff we seemed to miss before...but we don't teach our large family of children to judge others who do its none of our business. Christians have a hard time minding their own business and I think that's the real problem! I love your channel and it's been a real blessing to me...I'm in the same season as you I have 15 kids and my youngest is 4 I'm cherishing every second realizing now how fast and fleeting it all is

[@amandaking1089]

this is something our family is looking into. we are becomming more and more convicted of our need and the pronouncment of biblical holidays. Christmas is one that I am really struggling with. I am so glad I watched this and so glad for your comment because i feel my family is being judged from so many people NO MATTER WHAT way we choose to celebrate as Christians.

[@m.willow11]

Another wonderfully encouraging video! Thank you! Our lives have many parallels! Last year we brought back Christmas in its fullest... w a tree and everything(!!) and it was incredibly joyful and healing. Thanks for sharing your experience...please know you're not alone. The Lord used the legalism and spiritual abuse to draw us closer to Him and I can see how He's doing the same w you. My family is praying for you and your family's continued healing along w ours. ❤ Also, my son has now joined my daughter and I in watching this together and he says hello! Lol 👋 😊

[@mountainmamashome]

Oh my goodness, tell your son and daughter I said hello back! That is awesome! I really cannot thank you enough for the prayers, this means so much to us, thank you! It truly sounds like there is much we could talk about. I'm praying for your family as well. Thank you for being here and supporting us, m.willow!

[@auntiepam5649]

A very good word at the end. It is hard sometimes. I think prayer is the only way to keep ourselves in balance. You have a beautiful family and home.

[@mountainmamashome]

Thank you so much, and such a good reminder about prayer.

[@jenniferbrazil7662]

😂 I love your kids rooms. I still clean my girls rooms because the younger one makes most of the messes and the older one gets discouraged. Right now it is so bad that there is a path from the door to the bed. I took a break to drink coffee and watch a video while I work up the courage to go in. And this was the perfect video for me to find. Thank you for the encouragement I needed to get their mess cleaned up so they can have a cozy and clean space.

[@tamaramcgrath3327]

I really enjoyed that and your sharing of your story. I’m working on myself to not be self righteous but loving and it is a struggle but gaining daily. I needed to hear this so thank you very much❤. You also helped me with the celebration of Jesus with Christmas. Trying to do what God would want I struggled with the celebration but knew my children and grandchildren love this time of year as we put Jesus birth as the reason. Good bless you and Merry Christmas ❤

[@minihomesteadcooking]

I also made the taco meat with the carmelized carrots. You were right. Game changer. My kids told me to never make it without. Lol

[@brandimullins3627]

Love your home and your music section in your home! Wish I could homeschool my daughter. Public school is so so scary.

[@kb19907]

God is taking us deeper for the coming season !!!❤

[@jackimanley3056]

Lovely video. My three oldest (12,10,8) are now pretty organized and keep things picked y. They get frustrated with my youngest (5) who is a tornado 😅 but I remind them that they had to learn how to clean as well. We're doing Christmas school right now, taking a break from our usual curriculum has been so nice. ❤ Merry Christmas. Joy to the world the Lord has come!

[@mountainmamashome]

Hello Jacki, those 5 and under little ones, they can be tornado's for sure, lol! I love that you are already on Christmas break. Next year I want to plan even more time off.

[@katiem4185]

Another fantastic video, thank you for sharing!

[@mountainmamashome]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you, Katie!

[@carpenterfamilyfun1119]

Merry CHRISTmas🙏❤️

[@mountainmamashome]

Thank you!!! You too!

[@WendyAWong]

Thank you for your comments. Christmas is hard for me since my farther passed away sudden in 2020 of a heart attack, at only 67, so its been hard for me to enjoy with the reminded of his death, however i have now leaned more on God for his peace during the holiday to help me get thru these times. God Bless to you and your family.

[@mountainmamashome]

I'm sorry for your loss, Wendy. Praying peace and healing for you this Christmas. Sending hugs too. 💛

[@teri3719]

Amen, love your video, you are so right, I will keep watching ❤

[@minihomesteadcooking]

Yay, thank you for showing us the Kitchen Queen. Mine is different than that. It has a pull out tray in the front under the fire box. And we have a glass window. We recently added the heat drawers on top.

[@mollyjohnson8373]

I miss my children's messy rooms!! Do you have a video of how you made the kitchen window wreath? I dehydrated oranges for the first time to put on my Christmas tree, I would love to do this to my window.

[@mountainmamashome]

I used florist wire to attach the greenery to a shower curtain rod!

[@kkinner2762]

Because why not mom! 😂 I like to put comfy fuzzy rugs. Not super high pile but cheap slightly fuzzy rugs on their bedroom floors so that they are more likely to play and make messes in their rooms 😂 my kids are also so happy when we clean their rooms.

[@samk2423]

I apire to live like you. Thank you

[@myhopefilleddays2923]

Thank you for sharing your heart and your home ❤ This was such an encouragement😊 Praying you and your family have a blessed and beautiful Christmas season 🌲

[@BeccasHomestead]

You were just recommended to me, so glad i found you! My husband has the larger channel on YT but we are also just beginning our homestead adventure on our dream land that it took 20 plus years to save for! We have 6 boys and they are dirt magnets 😂. So nice to meet you and share in your Christian Values! ❤ -Becca

[@mountainmamashome]

Hello! Welcome aboard, Becca!

[@brooklamphere1061]

Thank you for sharing even the hard stuff. Your content is real an beautiful, it encourages me so much. You are amazing, I hope you can find joy in Christ Jesus's birthday again. ❤

[@ericapeterson3748]

I just bought a knife!! You had me at the Carrot!! Lol

[@mountainmamashome]

That's great, I can't stop laughing 😆! Thank you!

[@TheMennomilist]

I love that you make your own chicken broth. I have never done so. My mom always makes gravy from turkeys and chickens but never made broth. I learned the gravy from watching her as a child. She has never really cooked much at all though. I think she learned some things from her older sister who cooks a lot. I also have never made cinnamon rolls but my sister-in-law gave me her recipe and I plan on making them soon. I have really only been baking on a regular basis over the year (I baked mainly woopie pies and cookies only beforehand). I never thought about measuring spoons being for dry or wet! That makes sense. I just kinda use the simple metal Amish ones my parents bought me years ago for everything. I braced myself for your kids' rooms. . .my kids have never had a messy room haha. I know that is rare though. I have a son who loves rocks too. I told him last year to separate ones he REALLY loves from ones I can bring back to the river. Your (or your husband's) grandmother made lovely art. The rooms look much better now. I am similar to your mom actually...I have a hard time with the pagan roots to Christmas, and we received judgement for a while too at our old church. I still celebrate with joyfulness. We celebrate Advent and talk about Jesus' birth and coming to the earth to save us. I have no room for a tree and have not owned one in 13 years now. I think the tree is the only thing we really do without. I would love to hear more about how your mom taught you back as a child. Having no joy at this time of year sounds awful.

[@kkinner2762]

There are definitely secondary and tertiary issues people get hung up on. As I get older and my views have changed and I see how much I have grown it is much easier to be patient with people who I disagree with. If we have 90% in common we really should be able to disagree kindly if it isn't a salvific issue.

[@mountainmamashome]

Thank you for sharing, and yes, you made a good point. Salvation issues are the important ones.

[@Breeandfree]

And I think this is maybe wherein the problem lies.. people think EVERYTHING is a salvation issue. Like if you are getting something “wrong” it’s because you just don’t belong to Him

[@MadameMinima]

I love your message about being judgemental. I am myself a Catholic and I see so many Catholic brothers and sisters judging other Christian denominations that it breaks my heart. But on the other hand, I have experienced some hate from protestant Christian denominations for being Catholic. And this hurts so much. Because we are all brothers and sisters in Christ, despite our theological differences. Thank you for addressing the problem of judgement. May God bless you abundantly.

[@mountainmamashome]

Thank you!

[@FarmhouseRedeemed]

another wonderful video Shayla ❤️❤️❤️ a few years ago when my husband and I were born again I started questioning Christmas and the decorations (mostly the tree) because of some conversations I overheard at church…. We still did all our normal Christmas things that year but I felt a ton of guilt around it. Now I grieve that I felt that way as I’ve learned the truth and what we stand on in our family. We actually just transitioned churches and while we love so many people that we’re there, we feel like there was a lot of misguided judgement just in how people live their lives, and it seemed like everything was demonic to some people. 🫤 Legalism but preached against but also acted out, at least in my opinion. People are imperfect and there’s no perfect church. Praying for souls lost in legalism and ungodly judgement. Merry Christmas to your beautiful family! ❤️❤️❤️

[@mountainmamashome]

Thank you for sharing, this. It is true, there is no perfect church. Legalism though and the spirit of judgment is born of pride, and that is like a contagious virus in a church. Once it sets in it blinds people, and breeds a craving but insatiable desire to be "right" at all costs. Next, love and soundness of mind go cold as people strain gnats only to swallow camels. It's so important to check pride, because with it the devil has such a foothold to take a Christian down! I love how you said people are imperfect, it is true, this is why we need CHRIST and constant reminders of HIM! Thank you again for sharing.

[@emmahelps1188]

Thank you for the reminders 🙏 this Christmas is already a hard one as my husband passed away a few weeks ago and life feels very heavy and sombre right now. We've all been super judgemental on my mother-in-law (who has always had a bit of a 'grinch' attitude about Christmas) for not even wanting to make an effort for the kids this year. I think she lost her Christmas spirit a long time ago and she's been pretty much unwilling to try and muster the energy to celebrate together as a big family, especially this year. Compassion and empathy go a long way and I think are key here. I liked your point about being right, but not being right with God. We can all be right about how her actions and words come across, but all the complaining and wanting things our own way doesn't really sit right with the lord! I hope you and yours have a wonderful Christmas and with each Christmas together, you find a little bit of that magic and sparkle in your heart again ✨️🎄✝️💛

[@mountainmamashome]

I am so sorry for you and your family's immense loss. I just can't imagine how difficult this time must be for you all. I've prayed for peace and healing for you and your family, Emma.

[@emmahelps1188]

Thank you so much 💕

[@b-isforbetsy7828]

You look so beautiful! I love this lipstick.

[@b-isforbetsy7828]

The necklace also!

[@mountainmamashome]

Thank you so much!!

[@sharonswisher7274]

Kids live hard. Kids play hard. Their bedrooms are their sanctuary for experiencing that life. Yes, the bedrooms get messy but, so what I say. You're taking the reins and showing/making them how to clean up properly. The trees and decorations look amazing! Food look yummy! I believe that when you keep and maintain "Christ" in the season and don't give into the commercialism and paganism of it, Christmas is the beautiful time to celebrate our savior's birthday. In our family we draw names and do a dollar limit amount. But, my husband and I love to make the gifts we give out. Just like the 3 Wise Men came giving gifts to Him. Love those even though they look down upon those that see or believe as non equals in faith. Love is the Spirit of Christ. He loves ALL. May God Bless and Keep All in this World safe.

[@tetheredheartshomestead258]

We don’t celebrate Christmas but don’t judge those who do. It’s not the “not doing Christmas” that’s the issue, it’s the people who think they need to push the way they think on others that is the issue. We make winter special just like we do for autumn. All the warm and cozies and wonder of the snow etc. I never have been able to understand why people can’t just do what they think is right without trying to convince others to do things the same way as them. If you are solid in your beliefs there is no reason to justify them to others or try to convince them either way. I’m sorry that the group of people you were around saw it necessary to judge other people. 😕

[@zenkiea9663]

There’s NOTHING wrong celebrating the holidays. I found most often than not in my personal Christian upbringing that families who did not celebrate Christmas, Easter, have been coerced not to do so because of legalism, fear , and cultism that is very Anti - Christ. If anyone is experiencing any type of threats from your church telling you not to celebrate certain holidays including Christmas, most likely you and your family needs to break all ties and leave ASAP and never return! Trust me the Anti-holiday celebration is just the top of iceberg of their legalism dogma.

[@thehappychappyhomestead8440]

Love this ❤ I was raised in legalism (kind of a cult) and I 💯 relate.

[@abbielynnjuett4031]

May you know the peace of God this Christmas! 🎄🎄🎄 May God show you His promise of being given seven fold what the thief has stolen from you. It is good to hear you working to find the peace again. It will not ever be what it should have been but God will give you a new and precious peace. Jesus loves you so much He came as a baby to die for you and come back to life. And if you were the only one, He would have still come. 💚💚💚

[@wanderervii]

Boys have a need to manipulate their environment, if they don't have lots of opportunities to build and create, they destroy 😂 they definitely need to be *shown* that cleaning is creative and that they enjoy their space more when they keep it clean. They also need multiple cleaning experiences to convince them that they have agency over their surroundings for tidiness, not just for chaos. Keep including them in cleaning, especially the big messes 😊

[@mountainmamashome]

Yes, you are right

[@aleshalipsky1684]

My kids bedrooms are full of laughter and messes too. I have two girls rooms and they have to be cleaned out and helped along about once every other week, but when things happen and I skip a time....wow let me just say that I need an extra coffee that day. lol The pinecones are how I decorated this year. I made swags to put on our windows. I sent the kids out to collect lots and they came back with over 500. It has been such a beautiful free way to show the holiday spirt. Oh Shayla, I still see the pain in your face as you shared your heart about your past/present. I pray that God continue to left that pain and you begin to see the delight in childlike eyes again. I am so thankful that you brought up about being careful. This is such a great point, we all need to be honest with ourselves and so aware of our words and actions. Not just with everyone but also in the community- the body of Christ. Thanks for your time and talent Shayla.

[@mountainmamashome]

Hello Alesha, I was just thinking of you before your comment came through, I was thinking that I knew you would love this video, especially the part about the kids! I always love reading your comments. Thank you for taking the time to share! I laughed about the part of needing more coffee when you all have to skip a cleaning time, SAME HERE, lol!

[@Breeandfree]

What a sad story from your childhood, I just want to hug the little 4 year old you 😢 did your family keep the Biblical feasts? My husband grew up in a family that didn’t celebrate holidays and didn’t celebrate the feasts either. How boring and unfun! 😢. Our family now celebrates the feast days with gusto! And much enjoyment in discovering so many beautiful layers to Gods plan within them, the other holidays which I held so dear growing up mean nothing to me now

[@mountainmamashome]

Hello Breeandfree! That is so sweet of you to say! Growing up, my family kept a couple of the feast days partially. They didn't keep all of them.