These days phrases like burnout and hustle culture are popping up like dandelions in spring. Being a naturally slow person myself (born two weeks late and never caught up), my first response is to resist and refuse these terms.
My slowness leans more toward the regenerative, small farm life – where we work in years not seasons, and wait oh-so patiently for trees to start producing nuts.
Even so, I have to admit that my reality is jam-packed days, with self care and time off getting squeezed in, sometimes.
So, I’ll be real and accept that we live in a whirlwind world. But I’m also committed to working toward the slower, healthier, less stressful world that regenerative agriculture is all about.
And the holidays may just be the best time to start.
Long, cold nights. Sun barely peeking out over the horizon. Plants and animals hibernating. Theoretic time off from work. What about this season doesn’t shout “SLOW YOUR ROLL”?
I know you’re thinking “But, I gotta buy the best presents, and send the perfect cards, and buy all the right food, or everyone will be insulted and the holidays ruined.
I know the feeling.
But…what if we take a cue from nature and allow ourselves this joyful, RESTFUL season we’re always talking about?
What if we’re actually healthier and happier for doing so?
It’s true: forgoing arm-length to-do lists in place of simple holiday pleasures, like shopping at artisan markets or supporting local causes, offer profound health benefits – not just for your community, but also for yourself.
Health Benefits of buying Local
We know buying local helps small businesses keep the twinkle lights on and Main Street humming. But did you know that you’re also investing in your own health and happiness?
Buying your holiday goodies online or at a big store often feels necessary because time is short and it’s easier. However, health-wise, easier doesn’t always equal better.
Just as with buying food at a farmers market, when you shop at a small business or artisans market, you’re bound to bump into an old boss, a neighbor who’s alone for the holidays, or just connect with the business owners themselves.
These connections boost your mental health by fostering community and purpose, which reduces stress, anxiety, and increases overall well-being for everyone involved.
Maybe you will even invite that neighbor over for Christmas dinner, so they don’t eat alone and your table is one smile brighter.
Creating Meaning and memories
Being a farm family, we don’t get out much, including for shopping no matter the time of year. Determined this year to support local, I packed the family in the car and headed to a recent artisans market at the brewery downtown.
Hand in hand, my daughter and I slowly strolled through the stalls, admiring handmade treasures, greeting the artists, and listening to the stories behind each creation.
Seeing the artist who made the craft, just as seeing the farmer who grew the food, made the art real for her, made it inspirational, made it something that she just might want to try.
The last stall in the room had storybooks, illustrated by a local artist. My daughter immediately connected with the turtle book, an animal special to us. We got to chat with the illustrator and she even signed the book for us.
Back home, we wrapped that book and put it under the Christmas tree, even though we both know what’s in there. Because that book holds a memory we created together, a memory more meaningful than anything I could buy online for her. And one she will retell when she gives the book to her own child.
Health Benefits WHEN YOU GIVE
Giving and donating are also powerful acts, and not just for the cause or person you are giving to. Humans are actually designed to be generous.
Did you see this video about the long-lasting feel-good boost we get from giving?
When you give through donations, time, or gifts, your brain rewards you, releasing hormones like dopamine and oxytocin that make you feel good and reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and promote feelings of connection. This boost in mental health can even improve immune function, preventing sick days and doctor visits.
This means donating locally not only has a direct impact on causes you care about and your community’s well-being, it means you may even save yourself money on health care costs or missed work, and feel better along the way.
LOCAL GIFTS FOR YOUR FAVORITE PEOPLE
I encourage you to follow nature’s example and slow down this season. In fact, you now have official permission to drop the hustle, cool the burn, and just plain enjoy the season – make memories with your family and build connections with your community.
Make it your new tradition, and in time, it can become the new reality for all of us.
For a fun family event, check out the Oshkosh Winter Markets.
If you still need some gifts, here are some great local options:
North Road Flower Farm Christmas wreaths
Holiday gift box from Crossroads Market featuring local foods
Poco Pizza – uses local farm ingredients, has holiday goodies, and even a Christmas Morning pizza
Check out the Upper Fox Local Food & Farm Guide for other farm and food businesses near you.
Thank you for being part of our community and we wish you the HAPPIEST HEALTHIEST holidays.
Foxhead Regenerative Agriculture Project 