Winter Homemaking + Winter rituals to make the everyday feel a little more special | Mennonite Mom

[@abigailshowalter3865]

That’s my family on the Butcher Box page♥️ We and my parents both raise organic chicken that they sell.

[@michellesunshinestar]

We had DEAR time I think, we may have called it something else. I loved that. I loved to read. I was always reading. Now I have to use an e-reader because my eyesight got worse.

[@denisevisco3372]

When my kids were little we would have picnic suppers. I would throw a picnic blanket on the living room floor and fix a picnicy kind of supper and we would watch a cartoon while we ate. Both of my children have adopted picnic suppers for their children 🥰

[@sophieenterle6011]

Hello Megan and everyone. I love your special evenig idea. My son is older, 16 , and what we love to do is eating our evening meal on the sofa while watching a movie. I live alone with him and this is our special moments. He also asks a lot for "pyjama day" 😂. We used to do that in winter when he was younger. We stayed in our pyjamas all day, played games, cooked, watched movies and so on. Et voilà 🙂 bises from France !

[@melaniesnyder9165]

My boys are 3, 6, and 9. On winter evenings we enjoy having an occasional live theater. The boys will dress up as something. Sometimes a fire fighter, cowboy, puppy dog, super hero... whatever they feel like being. When they are ready I toss some blankets on the floor. Blue blanket for water, brown blanket for dirt, mud, or desert, green blanket for grass, floral blanket for fields... haha whatever I feel like using. Then their dad and I sit on the couch and I tell a story as they act it out. We usually have some lighting with the help of a lamp or flashlight. The story is usually pretty silly, and the boys are adorable trying to act it out. 😊 they love it and so do we.

[@rebeccafalkner2876]

We just started Friday Family Feasts. We make something extra yummy and more decadent than normal, use the fancy dishes, have a dessert (we usually don’t), light candles, turn on some Frank Sinatra, special drinks for everyone and then play a game or do a family walk after we eat. So excited for our kids to have this memory.

[@heatherlynn2845]

Love the idea of a family game!

[@diane5819]

Message from the mom of 3 grown, wonderful girls of my own....don't waste or ponder over one minute while your children are young because it truly is fleeting. I wish I had the support of channels like yours when I was a young mom. Sadly back in the early 90's there was no such thing. Fostering that close mom/daughter relationship is extremely important - good job!

[@eydiegarcelon8889]

Another great book.... Anne of Green Gables. I absolutely LOVED reading to my kids out loud!!!

[@taybarrett2893]

Let's not let keeping up with the internet Jones' steal joy Megan! Logging time spent outside sounds like a chore. Just enjoy 🥰🤷‍♀️

[@michellesunshinestar]

Jar of Fireflies is attempting the 1000 hours outdoors. I couldn't do that either.

[@jeanthobaben]

The best kind of gifts! Clearly Yvonnie loves "feasts" if it engages her it is worth the extra effort. Good for you.

[@mariainct8514]

Hi Megan. We used to have Friday night pizza parties (made easy with frozen bread dough). Also, hot chocolate parties (like a tea party) with little finger sandwiches, ants on a log (celery stuffed with peanut butter topped with raisins), mini cupcakes for dessert (or muffins or any dessert that can be made or cut to be small and cute. Love your channel! Your kids are so sweet.

[@avibonn5724]

I love watching Evonie helping you. She is very adept at whatever task she performs. This is the best education for little ones, and gives them confidence and skill; priceless.

[@laurensheeder3287]

Sundays used to be sheet pan nachos on the living room floor or popcorn, such fun memories

[@rebeccawise487]

I have been reading the Laura Ingalls Wilder series to my daughter's (ages 5, 7, and 9) for the past year and a half. We are currently on the last book. When we are done, we plan to go visit the sites where her houses were. My girls love the books!! They beg me to read them every night at bedtime.

[@carolyn683]

My favorite series 😊

[@franciscapinto9117]

One of my favourite childhood memories is a morning picnic we once did. We walked about 10 minutes from our home into the fields to spread out a picnic blanket on the grass that was still wet from the night. With warm clothes, some bread, jam and hot chocolate we enjoyed the crisp morning air. It was wonderful. Another favourite were sleepovers on the balcony in clear summer nights.

[@jessicamayne3394]

The way dinners happen around here we’re all so exhausted we need something quickly, so our weekly feasts are our weekend brunches. Pancakes, eggs, fancy smoothies, the works and then we spend the morning moving slowly, taking the dog for a long, long walk. Winter is super nice where I live. It’s always sunny so we go on long walks, hikes, snowshoes. Skiing more now that my toddler feels comfortable in skis. When it is too cold and too dreary to go outside I bought my daughter a disco ball and a microphone for her birthday and we would have dance parties to her favorite songs. It is super fun and special way to chase away the dreary day blues

[@ga6589]

When my kids were growing up and I was at my wit's end about planning yet another meal, I'd announce that we were having a smorgasbord. There would be a little of this and that, different leftovers warmed up.... just a lot of choices laid out on the table and they could pick and choose what they wanted. It was a good way to clean out the fridge. They begged for Smorgasbord Day! (With my son it came out "Borgasmord!")

[@pammiedoodle8693]

Megan, you are such an awesome mom! You’re children are so blessed to have such a creative and caring mother! I’m sure you’re an inspiration to many that watch your videos 😊 Blessings 🙏

[@juliamiller6947]

We also started doing candles at dinner last year, it’s so beautiful and cute to see my little girls turn off the lights and eat in the candle light. We also like to build a fire and all hang out in the living room all Sunday afternoon and evening just doing a puzzle and playing on the really cold dark days of winter. There aren’t probably as many down here in Atlanta haha

[@TheConscientiousEater]

I am all about chapter books for read aloud with my 5 year old. Charlottes web, Winnie the Pooh, the lion the witch and the wardrobe, Ralph and the motercycle, little house on the prairie, and pippi long stocking are some of the ones we’ve enjoyed! Always love your videos! Gonna light some candles for dinner tonight 😊

[@amandabryson9443]

I just loved that you added the fire alarm going off. We used to tell my mama we knew when supper was ready when our fire alarm went off 😆

[@Sophie-pi4ov]

I absolutely love the idea of making a feast regularly. 😍

[@dotcastagno3629]

🦋You do you You can’t think about what others do. You know that so stop thinking about others goals. You are a good mom & do a great job with your kids. Life is a balancing act…..

[@kristaleisure7978]

Love the feast idea! We are actually having a Tuesday night "feast" tomorrow- thanks to my ALDI find of a 49 cent per pound Butterball turkey! Why not have a Thanksgiving feast on a gloomy January Tuesday just to jazz up the ordinary weekday a little bit! Great ideas! Can't wait for your next video. Blessings to you and your family Megan.

[@mariacastillo1200]

Hi Megan, I live down south so your winter suggestions are my summer suggestions, it gets so hot here people don't go out! I love your channel, I'm a fan 😁.

[@ehrhardtgrown]

Evonnie looks so grown up drinking her spritzer! Precious!

[@sarahberg9448]

Longtime viewer, first time commenter. You're my favorite channel on YT. Thank you for putting out quality content and always keeping it God-focused. I look forward to Thursday's! God bless you and yours 🙏

[@kyndalquiggle9664]

We started the 1,000 hours in January. Last year, I was pregnant with our 4th, and we didn’t make it outside as much because I was miserable. This year our goal is to be more intentional about getting outside. Most families make up their outside hours during the summer months verses the winter. Good luck!

[@lifeinthepiedmontVirginia]

Thanks for sharing. Kids are raised hubby and I often will play a game in the evening or watch a movie. Or we sit in our chairs and read our books.

[@susanruss4420]

Love the idea of reading to your children. They will remember those stories.

[@boo4252]

Precious memories. Your a good mom. Blessings

[@claudiak-p3667]

Love your feast idea (and your channel)! We often play board games at the weekends and enjoy some hot chocolate while doing that, or we watch a family film together in the evening (our son is 13). Meals are also a bit more elaborate on Saturdays / Sundays. We enjoy walks in the countryside together, too (we're in the UK). It's all special family time. 🙂

[@carolyn683]

I'm reading the" little house" series to my son. We are getting close to the end. I've loved every minute of it.

[@laurenalcala4253]

Awesome looking feast. Love the 1000 hour's outside challenge. Have a great weekend.

[@easeyll]

It’s so cute how different little boys and little girls are in terms of sitting still. Either way he was definitely soaking it in and listening! I will have to borrow your idea of read aloud chapter books when my toddler gets old enough. My mom used to do this with us too and it’s a great childhood memory

[@carolynthomas4527]

Mommy daughter time sounds great, they grow up so quick, enjoy all this while you can!

[@wilmawagler5058]

That looked like a special meal and a fun idea. For awhile when our kids were little we did Friday evening family night where we’d all play games together, I still remember a game of “where are all my sheep.” The kids loved it we all did. I also read to my kids for years every evening after supper if we were home… it was special, my husband read the Bible story but I read so many other good books and loved it. I hadn’t heard the 1,000 hour challenge but I easily surpass that since I live outside when it’s not to cold and go on walks whatever the weather but what a beat challenge!

[@roxyperson8328]

Thank you for bringing joy to my day today. I had a lot of challenges. Watching your sweet family interactions and your grace filled goal of spending more time with your kids outside really lifted my spirit.

[@stinhrycajkiw2074]

Our winter go to is visiting the local greenhouses or garden centre tropical section. Always lifts our moods and gives the kids a chance to meander around some greenery 😊

[@elizabethmurphy9666]

I used to do “restaurant lunches” with my preschoolers. Battery operated candles & classical music with the lights dimmed. They thought it was SO SPECIAL. Little things like your feasts make a big impact!

[@CassieDeJarnett]

Oh my gosh the mommy daughter sleepover idea is SO cute!! I’ll have to remember that when my baby girl is a little older! She’s a cuddler so I know she’ll be all about it

[@kimberlyhamilton864]

We aren’t judging you, so no worries there! You do so much for your family, there shouldn’t be any guilt lurking around! ❤

[@CristinasLife]

I love the feast idea. How special ❤️

[@thestampingzoo6757]

What a great theme. You did so many great activities/special things. I’m single with no kids, but still you’ve inspired me to vary my winter routine a bit. TY! ❤

[@emilybreslin3645]

Pancake dinners and pillow forts are two winter go-tos. We let the kids collect every pillow in the house and pile them on the couch. Loved this video!

[@lonnekefalk2560]

That dress is absolutely fantastic! Looks so good on you! ❤❤

[@Sarah-qi1se]

Campfire in the living room - ottoman from a papasan chair upside down or some other "pit", orange and yellow tissue paper, Christmas lights or flashlight rigged for the "fire" (be careful, my friend had an electrical problem with Christmas lights where it started to smoke 😳🤷‍♀️). Used skewers to "roast" marshmallows over said fire, use broil setting, gas stove top, or microwave to provide smores.

[@judywyse7088]

Thanks for a fun video !! Keep up the good work.

[@amyriley3236]

I live in Central Indiana. We started when my youngest was 2 reading aloud up to an hour a day (we homeschool so have LOTS of winter hours to fill when class is done) and also aim for an hour outside each day. Sometimes we walk, sometimes it's broken up into little chunks of play in the yard, and some winter days it's REALLY hard and we have to purposefully make it to a park or something. My children are now 7 and 11 and it's the best thing I did for us! Those hours of reading and time outdoors has created such a special part of our family culture. Enjoy your hours outside - 1000 will come faster than you think!

[@ashb2126]

Love the 1,000 hours outside idea, I’m certain my son could get in that much time but honestly I feel like it could be VERY difficult for me, there’s always something to be done at home! I’ve been loving reading chapter books aloud to my 7 year old we are almost done with little house in the big woods I try to read a chapter a night before bed when I’m home

[@karengear5254]

It warms my heart so much to see you do D.E.A.R. The school i worked at for 27 years had this and kids loved it. So it happened here in Western Australia in a town called Waroona which is about 1 and a half hours from the capital Perth.❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@suelayman1371]

Just found your videos, I love your children running around helping out. So cute. Great inspiration.

[@cindyricksgers6478]

We homeschooled the kiddos through high school. When they were getting older, they read to me and I would take a cat nap. They laugh about it to this day.

[@bettyfuller3678]

You are absolutely adorable, Megan, and so is your family. Your children will cherish the fun memories you and Josh are creating with them. God Bless!

[@rachel7502]

I think that's wonderful! We keep the seventh day Sabbath and this idea is very similar to what we try to do each Friday night to bring in the Sabbath. Sometimes I don't always go all out, but I try to do my best depending on the week. Candles, special meal, special prayers over the children and spouses and sing traditional songs around the table, which can be quite lively. My family loves it! Thanks for these videos, Megan! I always enjoy them, and always seem to come away with a little inspiration or tip. God bless! ❤️

[@lindahill9362]

Oh Megan, I LOVED this video! My kids are grown, but this brought back many memories of when they were little. #1 - My daughter and I used to have sleepovers almost every Friday night! What a cherished time that was. One thing we used to do was "What do you like better..." The asker chose two things such as "What do you like better, chocolate or vanilla?" The answerer had to answer, and couldn't say both! Then they got to ask the next "What do you like better" It was fun, and we would get so silly until one of us fell asleep. (I won't say who usually fell asleep first - LOL!) #2 - My adult kids STILL talk about this. We used to roast mini marshmallows over a candle! This was so much fun, and goofy for a cold winter night. We may have even made mini s'mores with cinnamon cereal and chocolate chips. Thank you very much for faithfully cranking out videos that are relevant, inspiring and most of all ENJOYABLE! You're doing an amazing job Mama!

[@BB-ni9zj]

You are building fantastic memories for your kids!!

[@grammytammy3535]

Love your new intro graphics and music!!

[@MeganFoxUnlocked]

Glad you like it!

[@hannahahlgren3769]

Love this! We love the read aloud revival book list for good chapter books as well as picture books. Her book called the read aloud family is so inspiring! We are also doing the thousand hours outside challenge and are enjoying it so far. So glad you are doing it as well. You can inspire me 😊 One thing that the kids have been enjoying with daddy before bedtime while I clean up the kitchen is to have a dance party in the dark with flashlights. My kids are similar ages as yours and even the baby enjoys it.

[@shopgirl_ny152]

I love the special glasses and candles you had out for the "feast." And the meal looked delicious. Your kids will definitely remember these dinners.

[@eversosophi9653]

Evonnie looks so cute helping with the "feast" 💕 love watching your beautiful family

[@marciadichiara5688]

Megan , I loved this video. Thank you for a nice evening lots of nice tips even for a grandma and a grandson to do have a good day.

[@kimmiller3437]

1/2 hour outside is awesome in winter

[@tlcmercer3427]

Look at your Baby Big Girls Face as she’s blowing out the candles!💕 she just Loved it All... she Will Remember 💖 Great Mommy 🥰😘

[@trishsheehan1583]

Love Evonnie carefully doing the spritzer. Super fun to have a feast!

[@vincentshiflett6701]

I’m Karen and you are so inspiring ! Love your ideas !

[@cynthiafisher9907]

Have a fun trip to Florida! My husband’s family always had a family vacation late in the school year and took the kids out of school for it so they could go south when it was still cool enough to enjoy. I think it would be a fun treat to do that with your kids. Kids have plenty of school time and they learn so much by having broadening experiences in the world!

[@jennanorman8857]

Just finished this book and it was a new perspective on encouraging people to spend time outdoors in not the most favorable weather. "There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather" by Linda Mcgurk

[@TwoBirchHomestead]

That is such a cute and simple gift idea! Also, we just finished Charlotte’s Web and it was so lovely. The Little House series is a favorite! Often times we will listen to an audiobook at lunch time (I homeschool my kids so that is partially why we utilize the lunch time period).

[@reneedoddrell2158]

Put the kids to bed and have a nice fire outside is one of our go to winter night things.

[@Livinginthegoodolddays]

We have family sleep overs. We usually eat pizza, everyone gets to pick a movie or show, of course we have popcorn, cookies, fruit, or candy. It's super fun! We have one once a month.

[@carolwhisenhunt7504]

Such a sweet video. Evonne working at the table was just like her mommy. So sweet she's your buddy. Do all you can to keep her your buddy. Such a sweet family Megan. Love you guys.

[@bowenfamilyfarm9776]

Your feast looked delicious. You have the cutest children. It's hard to believe Miller is walking. I have 5 children 4boys and 1 daughter. She's 33yrs old now. She has always been my best friend. Treasure those sweet moments with your children it goes by so fast. God's blessings.

[@rebeccatirrell8321]

I 100 percent thrifted the PERFECT jean midi skirt today because you male them look so cute.

[@margierodgers688]

When my grandchildren were real little I made them pancakes for breakfast. One St. Patrick’s day I colored the pancakes green. From then on we always made colored pancakes. We’ve made blue, purple, red, orange,etc. Sometimes we would put a couple of different colors in the mix and swirl the batter. Those we called swilled pancakes. Something they will always remember us doing together.

[@heatherlynn2845]

This was such a fun video to watch! Love the feast idea and I definitely want to try it. I’m also doing the 1000 HRS OUTSIDE and just “doing my best”. I figured this year I’ll get a sense of how much time we currently spend outside and then try to increase it next year. I have a 1 year old and she looooves being outside and it’s a good break from housework. PS. I just recently found your channel and I love all your videos! It’s so encouraging to find wholesome, encouraging content online from a fellow mom. May God bless you & your family!

[@courtneyjanssen-grieve5618]

A great EASY fancy feast meal for us is frozen lasagna and garlic bread and caesar salad. Add all the fancy elements and it's super easy but feels special.

[@_ChildofGod_3]

Such a cozy video & im excited for when I can read books to my little ones one day! Love the authentic content ❤

[@juanitahill4832]

Evonnie is just so sweet, polite and helpful. Your children are super cute. Miller so tiny walking in the big wide world.. So sweet. Thank you for sharing.

[@elizabethharper9133]

I say definitely do as much of the challenge as you can! That’s what we are doing. Printing a tracker is very fun!!

[@darkskyes5339]

Ooh I like the new intro! Plus this topic is a favorite of mine, making the ordinary, extraordinary ✨

[@carolwhite1466]

I love your new opening ‘brand’! We need to do something special. In the summer, I would put together a charcuterie board sometimes for dinner. I haven’t thought of anything for winter, though. I’ll have to put my mind to it. Thanks for all the ideas and for putting together such wonderful videos. Upbeat and challenging and thoughtful.

[@savannahhoward3960]

We started the 1000 hours too! You only need 2.7 hours a day! One in the morning one in the evening is our goal. The biggest thing for us is our camping trips lol that helps make up the days we don’t get outside. There’s not bad weather just bad clothing! We play in the rain and heat just play differently. ❤

[@maryshalom33]

Omgoodness the baby’s face as you lit the candles ❤and the kids with the wine glass that was so cute!!! ❤ I’m sure Jesus must have chuckled see you guys having a Feast 🙏🏻

[@coralgonzalez8659]

Great video as always. Thank you so much for sharing with us.

[@danaspinogatti6089]

Hi Megan! Loved your video! Another book to read to your precious family would be Stuart Little. I remember my Mom reading it to my brother and me after Charlotte’s Web. Blessings ~

[@ratniebenezer2721]

Loved it as usual! I love watching your family even though my grands are college age!! Young at heart! Why do you say, “ judge me if you want” often? I think you are a amazing mom & wife! ♥️🙏🏼

[@hollylantrip4902]

I make the same cheeseburger soup! I had an "a-ha" moment not to long ago after years of making this soup. I put the baby carrots in the blender to chop them up. Such a time saver for me!

[@melbarn2716]

Awww you changed your intro graphics, it's the beginning of a new Era. 😄

[@samanthakwait8782]

I lived in bucks county pa until I was 23. I used to be so sensitive to the cold there lol. Now pa reminds me of the south. I live in Alaska and we definitely don’t get out much at all in the winter

[@ms.g1709]

Evonnie was doing a good job helping!! Also, I love the chapter books idea- a way to keep both them and you engaged. Y'all're bonding, as well as promoting language development, reading skills, and content knowledge. Visiting the library is always a wonderful way to get out of the house, socialize (only if you want), and to be in public without the expectation of spending money. The library has so many things to offer!! I check out audiobooks to listen to as I drive between home and work, as well as paperbacks to read during lunch and the sporadic weekend afternoon. I've even checked out cake pans from the library as a teenager, lol. I love libraries. Also, you look truly beautiful. Keep well!!

[@MeganFoxUnlocked]

The library! That's a great one!

[@gemstones7171]

Such a joy to see your beautiful family!

[@addiewenger1575]

Yes! My one year old's taste in foods keeps changing, and I don't even seem to know what he likes anymore. Lol.

[@jennifercrews3175]

This is EXACTLY the video we needed for January!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@NoNameNumberTwo]

The feast looked delicious. 😋 One tip I would share for reading with little kids: we would read six books. My kids would pick three and I would pick three. If I really wasn’t feeling it that day, I would intentionally pick shorter books for my three choices. I also never read the same book over and over in a sitting. I know they say to do that, but in order for reading to happen, it should be enjoyable for mama too. The biggest thing is just getting the kids to associate reading with something pleasurable (spending quality time,) and just getting them in the habit of sitting down with a good book. 📚

[@Theinhandstitcher]

The Lancaster library system has all of a kind family. We requested it a few months ago and picked it up in ephrata

[@lorimoghadam3054]

Your little girl was so sweet and she loved it!

[@danasnow8266]

So love the idea of feast night, so sweet and great memories.

[@robyancooper624]

Easy way to do omelets with kids. Pan of water to boil on stove. Zip lock bag and add omelet in bag and all ingredients seal the bag, mix then together squishing the bag, then place bag in boiling water for approx 20 min for individual omelets