Christmas on the Farm with the Hantens
For Todd Hanten and his family, Christmas has always been a time for tradition and togetherness. The Hanten’s Christmas traditions reflect a blend of simplicity and creativity, rooted in their agricultural heritage. While many of their customs remain classic, a few family twists make the Hanten Christmas unforgettable.
A Cozy Christmas Eve on the Farm
Each Christmas Eve, after the cows were milked and evening chores completed, the Hanten family would gather at Todd’s mom’s house for a late supper. The meal was simple yet hearty, with steaming bowls of oyster stew—a longstanding family tradition—and mugs of Tom and Jerrys warming their hands and hearts. It was a time to catch up, laugh, and savor time together around the table. Though the hour was late, there was always a feeling of holiday cheer and closeness.
For those not scheduled to milk cows the next morning, Christmas Eve continued with a trip to midnight mass. It was a calm time to think about the holiday's meaning. The service felt special in the quiet night with loved ones around.
Santa’s Early Morning Visit
On Christmas morning, after Santa had made his visit, the Hanten children would wait eagerly for Todd’s dad to finish the morning milking. Dad would pause the work just long enough to join the family in the house, where the excitement of unwrapping presents would officially begin.
Once the gifts were opened and a few rounds of laughter and smiles were shared, it was back to the barn to finish up the morning chores. This seamless blend of holiday celebration and farm life highlights the commitment and dedication that comes with farm life—even on Christmas Day.
Childhood Memories with Army Men
Todd’s favorite Christmas memories include one gift that became his go-to for many years: green army men. With “battlefields” set up across the living room floor, Todd, along with his two sisters, created epic standoffs complete with forts, jungle terrain, and even rubber band ammunition to knock down their “troops.” These childhood memories left a lasting impression, becoming a staple of Todd’s Christmas nostalgia.
In a full-circle moment, Todd’s family brought this cherished memory back to life about eight years ago. As a lighthearted twist on gift-giving, the family exchanged gag gifts. That year, Todd’s gift was a throwback to his army men collection. The green figurines were back in full force, but this time with a modern twist. The grandkids took it upon themselves to hide them all over Nana’s house, making for a six-month-long scavenger hunt as she discovered the toy soldiers tucked away in unexpected places.
Laughter, Memories, and the Heart of Christmas
The Hanten’s traditions, whether classic or creatively improvised, are about so much more than gifts or decorations. For Todd, Christmas is a time of family connection, of working around the demands of the farm to create a space for love, laughter, and a few playful pranks.
From late-night oyster stew and midnight mass to green army men hidden around the house, Christmas with the Hantens is a heartwarming blend of tradition, family, and a dash of holiday humor. And while new memories are made each year, the Hanten’s Christmas spirit remains constant—a tribute to the family’s love and to the simple joys of farm life.
