I’m not really one for New Year’s resolutions, probably because, on the few occasions when I have made a resolution, it has been broken within a couple of days. For me, resolutions are a bit like ‘Dry January’. What’s the point in committing to something you know you will find impossible to stick to? With a house full of alcohol, left over from Christmas, the last thing I want to do is tell everyone I am having an alcohol-free month. I honestly think January is the one month on the smallholding when a glass or two at the end of an exhausting day is essential!

I do, however, enjoy the New Year. It is a time to reflect on the year gone by and to make plans for the one ahead. 2025 was a good year for me in many respects. It was my first year on the smallholding in North Yorkshire, a huge move that could well have proven a mistake. However, it turned out to be one of the best decisions we have ever made, as my husband and I have put down some firm roots and made some very special memories in a truly beautiful part of the country. 2025 also saw our youngest son marry his beautiful wife, and I am looking forward to watching their story unfold.

Donkeys enjoying the snow

Sheep in the paddock on a frosty morning

We have so many things to be grateful for that sometimes I have to stop, take stock, and thank my lucky stars for the life I lead. Winter can be difficult on the smallholding when the weather is cold and wet and the animals always look dishevelled and dirty, but it is also a fantastic way of life. Dressed appropriately, there is no reason why being outside can’t be enjoyed all year round, and that is exactly what we do! I rely on a fabulous set of waterproof overalls that see me through the worst of the British weather, and I thoroughly enjoy being outside, come rain or shine, and spending quality time with all the animals. Despite how unkempt they look in the winter, I do still groom them! When the weather is particularly harsh, I keep the donkeys and ponies in their stables, giving them access to a hard standing to stretch their legs and alleviate any boredom.

Spending time in the stables with the donkeys

Donkeys enjoying winter sunshine in the paddocks

Stabling them gives me the opportunity to spend time with them on a regular basis, and this is good for bonding as well as grooming. I often sit in a corner of the stable on a bed of straw and just watch the donkeys. They are so inquisitive, and, in no time at all, they surround me, pushing and shoving each other to be first in line for an ear scratch or neck rub. Donkeys are exceptionally gentle animals once they get to know and trust you, and spending time with them, on their terms, in their own surroundings is so important.

So, whilst I won’t be making any resolutions for 2026, I will be reflecting on the wonderful year I have just enjoyed and making plans for a memorable new one. With all the field shelters in place and the smallholding now in a position that works well for all the animals, I can turn my attention to improving and enjoying what we have established over the past twelve months. It has been hard work but well worth the effort when we see how happy and comfortable all the animals are.

We do have plans for 2026. One of the smaller paddocks will be turned over to planting crops this year so that we can try to be as self-sufficient as possible with regard to the vegetables we need for ourselves and our animals. I am also hoping that the small orchard we planted last year will start to bear fruit in the summer. I am looking forward to seeing the wildflower meadow start to germinate, and, fingers crossed, we will be treated to a colourful display of wildflowers later in the year.

New adventures are on the cards as we continue to discover the North Yorkshire countryside and its many pretty villages, and I am crossing my fingers for another fabulous summer.

I would like to wish all our readers a very Happy New Year!



You can find Allison on Instagram countryliving_writer or visit her website here