Nadia Lim’s Christmas Celebration
Foodie-farmer Nadia Lim is preparing for a cozy and casual Christmas celebration this year on her 1200-acre Royalburn Station farm in Arrowtown. Despite juggling raising three boys, managing the farm, writing cookbooks, and starring on TV, she is looking forward to the festive season with a small guest list of around 20 people.
A Unique Christmas Picnic Style
Lim has decided to forgo the traditional centrepieces on the dining table this year and opt for a more relaxed approach. Instead of shouldering all the cooking responsibilities, she has asked each guest to contribute a dish, turning the Christmas meal into a picnic-style feast. This way, she hopes to minimize the cleanup and engage everyone in the celebration.
Unwinding with Jingle Bell Rock
To set the mood for the holiday season, Nadia Lim enjoys playing ‘Jingle Bell Rock,’ a festive favorite that gets her and her children dancing around the kitchen and dining table. This lighthearted tradition adds a touch of cheer to their Christmas celebration, emphasizing the importance of joy and togetherness during the festive season.
The Reality of Farming Life
Despite the idyllic setting of their farm and the beauty of the mountains surrounding them, Nadia Lim and her husband Carlos Bagrie have faced financial challenges in making farming a sustainable income source. They have explored various avenues, including retail farm shops, to diversify their revenue streams but acknowledge the inherent difficulties of making a profit in the agricultural sector.
Lim reflects on the lessons farming has taught her, emphasizing the need to adapt and let go of control in the face of nature’s unpredictability. She highlights the harsh winters they endure, where snow blankets the ground, only to witness the miraculous rebirth of life come spring. Through these cycles of life and death, Lim’s children have gained a deeper understanding of the natural world, an invaluable experience that money cannot buy.
Despite the financial hardships, Nadia Lim and Carlos Bagrie remain committed to their farming lifestyle, driven by a sense of purpose and the profound connection they feel to the land. The awe-inspiring beauty of their surroundings serves as a constant reminder of the priceless experiences that enrich their lives, reinforcing their dedication to their farm and family.