Preparedness has been a way of life, taught to me through example, by my parents and grandparents. My grandparents were not a “preppers”—they were smart, hard-working farmers, who knew how to make the best of their resources—growing and canning their own food and being happy with what they had.
My parents followed that example and even though we lived in the city, we gardened, canned and worked hard to be self-reliant. Our garage was full of shelves filled with food, water and paper goods.
When my father lost his job for a year, we hardly noticed any difference in our lifestyle because of the preparation that my parents had previously done. There was, however, one thing that was different that year and that was our Christmas celebration—my parents decided to have a “food storage” Christmas.
While we all got a couple of “normal” gifts (toys, clothes, etc), the most memorable ones were the “food storage” ones. Even to this day, I can remember the excitement when one of us received a #10 can full of delicious roasted almonds and the laughter when our brother unwrapped a case of toilet paper!
I must say, that as a child, I wasn’t sure how my friends would react when they asked me what I got for Christmas, and I replied with “A case of canned pineapple”, but many years later, when we talk of Christmases past, that Christmas comes up as one of the most fun and memorable.
As preparedness becomes a way of life, we find ways to incorporate it into all aspects of our lives—even Christmas!
A.L. CA
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Comments
What a great story! I give this my vote.
I give this vote #2
I give this vote #3!
You are the best. Thanks for preparing!
I loved our "preparedness" Christmas too. Your parents were great examples.
Mom, you're the best!
Makes me think I need to do better :)
We had a preparedness Christmas once too! I think the person who got a giant case of Ramen was the most happy. I think I got wheat.
Great story - the prepared pineapple.
Thanks a lott for the great Christmas preparedness story!
This is great. More should spend their money on what mattters.
Wast it the 'good' TP?
great story
Well written
How old were you when this story happened? T-4?
great story! vote #1
vote #2
So, if these were Christmas presents, could you legitimately "play with your food?"
A year’s worth of food is eaten in days on a Christmas cruise. Better to cruise down the grocery aisle a few days and eat for a year.
Give me 23 things to do with 24 cans of pineapple that have nothing to do with food and we’ll have the best pineapple in the world!
What a great story, Amy!
It will be so much easier when the real emergency comes if "preparedness" is a way of life, rather than an "occasional activity".
I can remember how our food storage saw us through tight times, especially in grad school and my early career. We still rely on it almost every day, rather than running to the store for every little thing. It's a great gas-saver!
We try to store not just enough for us, but some extra, too, so we can barter with others for things we don't have or run out of. We especially keep an extra supply of salt, pepper, and other spices--things people paid dearly for back in ancient times to literally "spice up their lives".
We've done "food storage Christmas", too, and the kids had a great time with it. BUT, they made it abundantly clear that it shouldn't be the norm! HOwever, depending on their circumstances each year, we have put food storage items under the Christmas tree for individual families. THese have been much appreciated and well-received.
I love this story--what a great way to make preparedness a way of life!~
Not sure if your parents hated or loved you...
Its important to remember family members who we live by too!
Good point, to remember . Our elderly parents.
If only we all could be this prepared.
This is so great :) reminds me a little of some things my parents did. Great story Amy!
And I want a number 10 can of roasted almonds!
I think we might need to do a food storage christmas this year! I love it!
mmm prepared pineapple :)
and vote #5. I really love provident living and being prepared. This is a great story to keep the enthusiasm alive :)
I have to give all my votes to my momma! She and grandpa and grandma taught us well.
vote 3
vote 4
That was like being country before country was cool
Melee Kalikimaka
Santa Claus needs to rearange his list for this day and age
Great story! It makes a great gift for students as well.
A very practical Santa!
A great story- makes me recall Christmases in my past:)
Amy, what did you get your parents that year? did you go along with the food storage theme?
You get my last vote. I have decided to get my children emergency preparedness items for birthdays as well as Christmas. I want them to be prepared for what may come!
Great story!!!
Wow, this story was one of the best I've seen on this page!
It just keep gettin' better and better!
Does anyone else like this story as much as I do?
Good story! I think that this is a great idea for all of us to think about!
Does anyone else like this story as much as I do?!
How has ever seen a story this well written?
Thanks everyone for the love. I guess I will vote for myself, because I will share whatever prize I get! :)
We actually do the preparedness Christmases with our kids now too.
I'm too practical to get them junk they don't need.
I've got to vote for my mom!
Mom, what am I getting for next Christmas?
I want pinto beans for Christmas haha
Thanks for the tip Caleb! Know I know what to get you this year :)
Just for your information, I don't have a boxspring under my mattress, I have #10 cans holding up my bed--that's how my mom rolls.
i love you mom!
I'm going to your house when the world comes to an end.
Oh. And I'm bringing all my friends.
Peaches are my favorite. Make sure to stock up on those. Thanks!
I knew I was marrying Ammon for a reason!
But in all seriousness, being prepared is very important in these ever-so difficult times. Great story!
What a good story! We had a similiar christmas growing up, and it remains one of my favorite memories!
This is a great story, and it rings true in my own memories no less. Vote #1 for sure.
I like this story as much as you do, Enoch.
I remember the Christmases like that too, Ammon. those were some good times. simple, yet effective.
and since I can't think of what else to add, here's vote #4 anyways.
and vote #5. now I am done.
you have my vote
you have my vote again
and again
and once more
I remember a Great friend that use to live next to me, this neighbor taught me how important it is to have storage and crazy ways to hide the storage. That time living next to her was by far one of the best living spots. Not a fancy house, no amazing landscaping, when you walked into the house old worn furniture, no cable, not much of a TV. Most people would have wondered but that time living there taught me what was/is important and who cares what others think. To this day I have yet to find a neighbor like that family.
Thanks A!
Amy lives these principles...she is a great manager!
I think we should have more Christmas Holidays like this. Thanks for the reminder!
O.K. Third comment...A bag of food makes a great pillow!
Fourth: I vote for Amy...in all seriousness!
My fifth vote goes to Amy's article about a Preparedness Christmas. It is good for children to learn more creative gift giving!
Amy knows food storage. She has taught us all a thing or two!
What a wonderful story!
Sounds like it would be a fun idea to try sometime with my family.
I have one last vote that goes to my mom. you have taught us well.
It's very creative.
When you are prepared, you are never in need.
Thanks Kellene for this opportunity! This helped bring back some good memories.
My son gets married this Saturday and we got them 72-hour packs for one of their gifts. :)