These seven Valley families share their most cherished holiday traditions and memories.
The Schnepf Family Mark and Carrie with children Connor, 16; Grayson, 15; McCall, 13; and Hayden, 11.
The Schnepf family knows a thing or two about down-home country roots. As the sole operators of Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek, the Schnepfs have kept their farm and home thriving for more 68 years and have made it a great place to create family memories for their guests.
What’s your favorite holiday tradition? Mark and I have decided to enjoy Christmas by continuing with two traditions that were meaningful to us when we were growing up. They are Christmas morning breakfast (I brought this from my family) with extended family at the farm. Everyone comes to the farm for a breakfast of eggs, pork chops, cinnamon rolls, hash browns, juice and milk. (We have been having this breakfast for more than 50 years). Then we exchange gifts as a family, followed by a great game of flag football, outdoor fun and activities. Later that evening, we enjoy a beautiful formal Christmas dinner at our home with just our children and grandparents, Mark's long-time family tradition.
What is your favorite holiday memory? Decorating our fresh Christmas tree and hanging ornaments collected from our travels around the world. The children each have their favorites. The tree is full of memories.
Are you traveling this holiday season? We enjoy doing a skiing and snowboarding trip up to our cabin in Greer or Utah. But because the farm is open during the holidays with families creating their memories, we typically do our traveling over spring break and in June. Those include trips to Hawaii and France.
What is the best present you have ever given? For my husband, I worked with an artist for almost a year as he took photographs and painted on canvas [a portrait of] each child. They made beautiful pieces of art and now hang down our staircase.
Favorite Holiday Food: My mom's Waldorf salad.
New Year’s Resolution: To simplify our lives.
Favorite Holiday Song: ‘A Christmas Song.’
