A Family Christmas at a Log Cabin in Canada
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ธ.ค. 2019
- Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone! Join my wife, our two daughters, Cali and I at our log cabin in the Canadian wilderness for Christmas dinner.
Thanks for watching! New videos every FRIDAY. Please subscribe.
My Other Channel: Shawn James bit.ly/2xzZHpB
T-SHIRTS: teespring.com/stores/my-self-...
Watch the playlists by clicking on these links:
Building an Off Grid Sauna: bit.ly/2IjvJsQ
Building a Log Cabin with Hand Tools: bit.ly/2MeEoOs
Building an Outdoor Forest Kitchen: bit.ly/2AFQJ99
Best of My Self Reliance: bit.ly/2OfW7ry
To see what I’m up to during the rest of the week, please follow me on my other online channels;
Website: myselfreliance.com/
Facebook - / myselfreliance
Instagram - / myselfreliance
My Mailing Address:
51 King William Street
P.O. Box 30017
Huntsville, ON
P1H 0B5
My Tools, Clothing & Other Gear:
www.amazon.com/shop/myselfrel...
Cabelas: bit.ly/2AEp48v
This is the way that it should be. A husband, a wife, and children, coming together, to celebrate the greatest story ever told. The birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Agreed!!! ❤
A Griswold Dutch oven. That’s a thoughtful wife. Have a merry Christmas
Back in 1970, when I was about eight, my dad built an A frame cabin approximately 500 sq. ft. in Tennessee without power tools just like you did. We spent many weekends out there over the years and these videos of yours have brought back many faded and forgotten memories.
Once we went out there and my older brother, who was about 11-12 at the time, almost got bit by a rattle snake but my dad killed it with his rifle. He cut the rattler off, put it in a jar and gave it to my bro as a keepsake. It had 15 rattles and a button so it was a big snake.
Then, as we got older a couple of friends and I spent the night out there by ourselves and we snuck some beer out there to enjoy. Suddenly, I heard my dad's motorcycle in the distance and I could tell he was showing up unannounced. We scrambled to hide the beer under some leaves by a certain tree in the woods and tried to act natural. My dad stayed for several hours and we had chicken roasted on a home made spit over a campfire that was maybe the best chicken I've ever had in my life. Thankfully, he never did find out about the beer or I would have never lived to see another birthday.
This cabin was in a remote place but certainly accessible. When my two friends and I were out there camping we went to take a bath down at the creek. It was remote enough that we felt comfortable doing that. Only this time we heard a car coming and it sent us scrambling for cover. We managed to get pants on but that was about it. Turns out it was a couple of girls out joy riding. We told all our friends we got lucky with those girls but the truth is we were so scared by the whole thing that we only had courage to get in the car and get out of there.
Several years later we put the property up for sale and my dad told me to go out to the cabin to see if there was anything left I wanted to take with me. When I went out to the cabin to say my goodbyes to so many fond memories I was walking around and saw something in the woods that caught my eye. Something that looked out of place. Upon closer inspection I began to realize it was those cans of beer we had buried under the leaves all those years ago. Couldn't believe my eyes.
I'm almost 60 now and it was not until facebook came along and I caught up with my old teenage buddies that I was able to share the last part of that story with them. And how great it was too. I know you and your family will make lots of great memories at your cabin too.
Thanks again for the video!
That's a beautiful story. Loved reading this. Must have been a surreal moment for you when you found those cans of beer all those years later. Did you even remember they were there in the first place when you were walking around or had you just completely forgotten about them and got caught by surprise? I wonder what you did with them. Did you leave them there? Throw them out? Kept them as a souvenir? I definitely would have kept them, I get too emotionally attached to little things like that sometimes, but not everyone is corny like me.
It's always a bit sad when we grow older and all the great memories we had as kids are now just distant memories, and at least for me it's even more sad when some of those memories slowly begin to fade with time, but what you lived through was definitely something special and I have a feeling you'll remember it forever.
Hope all is well with you and thank you for sharing the story.
Lol
slick willy..... Ваш рассказ прекрасен!!! Спасибо!!!
Beautiful story.
Glad you have such wonderful memories. Sorry the cabin was sold tho.
A loving husband and father this man is. Close family ties. I admire this man very much.
He reminds me of my husband
Im so blessed
Now that's the way Christmas with family should be like.
Merry Christmas to all of you and to all the viewers reading this.
Shankhya Debnath Merry Christmas to you ❤️
❤️🌠🎄🎅✝️🙏👽🐾😈
Merry Christmas .New York.🎄🌌🤶💝🐕👴🧓 Je vous remercie
et souhaiterais pouvoir vous aider dans votre vie professionnelle
beaucoup de chance.
Merry Christmas and happy new year from Greece
This man is amazing and just think 200 years ago how normal this living was..
We take so much for granted today (smh)
You know a lot of people don’t wanna live like this right? I
Yes of course..nice life.
This is not the life 200 yrs ago. This family apparently is quite comfortable spending their time and money in a forest just for fun. He brought almost every tool with him for every different work. 200 yrs ago, no Amazon, no Home Depo, no Cabelas, nothing. They were poor and hungry.
Love you
2130551930647 .
A purrrfect life !
I have learned so much from these videos. I hunted and fished from the time i could walk.
I taught my boys , 4 of them. , my skills when their father was in a devistating accident. I now live on the old homestead at 67 years young and life is still beautiful. I can start a fire as quick as he does. We always have comments from those that know us that we know how to survive without money . The old ways are very important and im glad i stuck to my roots ! Thankyou Shawn for giving out the knowlege you do .
Dad, it’s hard to believe you made that. Priceless.
Made what?
@@ArizonaMMJ she said that when she went inside the sauna.
The Happy Hour Hound, he built the cabin and the sauna by himself.
Literalpervertedloser ah ok I missed that
Lauren Miller yes
I remember watching you start your journey from my couch back in 2017. I was an alcoholic pilot with no medical. Three years later I am semi retired and living debt free on my own private 19 acres of native New Zealand Beech forest and building my own cabin ( building a fire watch tower ). Your part of a new generation with an important job. Spreading positivity and inspiration to a generation saturated with negativity. Merry Christmas.
❤️Good job and God bless brother,I have read many of your comments on different channels,glad you are doing well,love from Scotland x
God bless Happy new year
Amazing story. Thanks for sharing.
AMEN! Secret Squirrel!!!!
Well said and great outcome.
This life is worth more than the whole wealth of the world.
Красивая семья у красивого человека..... Спасибо за все видео, смотрю часами... Очень интересно....трудяге восхищение.....привет из Руси....
one word... Treasure.
Beautiful family and people and one happy dog!
Handsome man with a good heart and unbelievable skills, beautiful wife and beautiful daughters, and the most precious dog in the world!
That dog is awesome
Yup the Golden Retriever steals every frame of the video !! I have 2 of them, they are the BEST !!
Don’t worry behind the scenes the absolutely hate each other 😜
Ok.... I’m envious. Always wanted a place like this. Now....only in my dreams.
Correct
The man has done everything to enjoy with his family members, what else is there better than this ! I admire the Man.
Thousands of cabin build in TH-cam, but only one cabin been build to leave, keep the cabin life and keep all of us live 💕 for young and for old
I just imagined your beautiful daughters having kids and these kids discovering these videos in 2-3 decades in an old cabin. What a legacy for them. Gratz
Merry Christmas to you and your family. Your videos made our lives better this past year and are much appreciated. That Griswold Dutch oven was made between 1920 and 1950. Great oven.
It has been 3 years since I viewed this for the 1st time. It still stirs memories of my childhood in the 1950's on a farm in SW Wisconsin, and our family gathered at Christmastime around the outdoor fireplace that Dad built, with a roaring fire blazing away and everyone laughing and singing carols. Just the 5 of us, no one else. Now I am the only one left, and all I have are those memories. Thanks again for bringing them back to me!
the doggy running after tossed snow in starting really made me happy it's so wholesome that now i also want a golden retriever
Shawn, you have a beautiful twinkle in your eyes when your family is with you.
Merry Christmas to the James family and all of your viewers. I was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in August of last year. I started chemotherapy treatments in September and found your you tube channel at that time. Thank you for your love of the outdoors as it helped encourage me to get better so I could do what I love when I get better. I am now cancer free but still have a long way to go after recovering from surgery and chemo treatments. Love Cali and I have learned a lot from you. May God bless you and your family and thanks again.
My thoughts & prayers are with you, my friend; I lost my husband to cancer, 25 years ago this month. I love when I hear of people that beat it! Blessings for your continued recovery & you being able to do what you love, as well. 🙏💖🎄
Congrats on beating the cancer. Keep getting better. Merry Christmas!
@@tampanativeson I hear you; but I'm so glad you are cancer free now though, my friend.
Cancer free. That is great news for Christmas. I hope your recovery is not too long.
Best of luck to you, Roger.
This is the dream. You're a lucky man sir.
Now that's Christmas. Snow on the ground , in the woods , surrounded by nature .
Shawn, you are one lucky man in more ways than one. What a beautiful wife and girls. Please keep it together! Happy Holidays to you and yours.
One smart man , left the city , built a beautiful cabin for his beautiful family .your living a life we all dream of ! ❤️
you must be new here, this is the first time i have seen his family. they live somewhere else, sorry
He had no choice. He was in trouble.
Trouble or not, he did what needed to be done. Made a beautiful place for his wife to join him and live in peace. His daughters can visit when ever they want to. I think he did a hell of a job.
@@jaytomson7052 He beat the system ✊
@@l.adodg3r70 Only now, he is. He has become we.
I used to do this all the time when i was able. nature is the ultimate therapy. this video put a lump of joy in my throat and water to my eyes. amazing! you stirred old feeling i had while in the woods. thank you for the videos xo
What a great way to celebrate Christmas...All the family together and the rest of the world far away.
This is just about the best "reality" show there is.
I think the dog needs it’s own channel. He’s the star!
The dog needs a buddy. She is usually waiting to be noticed and if had another canine could have their own games when humans are busy. Beside wife will need guardian when Cali off w Pop on one of his excursions hunting or fishing.
Ceasar Diaz the dog is gorgeous.
Isabel Faustino yes it is!
Ceasar Diaz It’s a girl
It's an easy mistake the name does not give it away, plus when she barked it was deep and commanding. Golden's don't often bark but when they do you'd best listen.
Shawn, This is the first time I have seen your whole family at the cabin. I know the trials your going thru now with the moving and rebuilding. I just wanted to say you have a beautiful family and I pray that all goes well for all of you as you rebuild a homestead. Take care my friend. God Bless you and yours.
Don, from NW Pa.
Something about opening gifts a Christmas was really beautiful. Brought a tear to my eye. Beautiful family bud.
Merry Christmas.....so nice to see a married couple who still actually hug each other......and daughters willing to spend time with their families. Wishing you all, the best of health in the coming year.
Wait, what? Why would i not hug my wife?
60% divorce rate.....you're in the minority. Good for you. Women are nuts. :)
OH No Not Another INCEL
Ray Jupina yeah I’m sure THAT is why you’re single lmao- it’s definitely not because you’re the type or person that sexist in a literal TH-cam comment section under a wholesome Xmas video lol
WTF are you talking about? I applauded them for having a loving marriage and daughters who like to spend time with them. It's you ding dongs that went off the rails. And besides that Brendan...English isn't your first language is it? (....sexist in a literal TH-cam...) Now go play with your Crayola's...and keep it in in the lines. Tool.
Merry Christmas and may God's grace be with you and your Family ! All the best from Romania.
How lovely to have this kind of Christmas family gathering❤️
I love this celebration feeling, so touched and very warm, it is the life naturally. Lovely family and beautiful girls.
"Dad, it's hard to believe you made that!" -- congratulations Shawn, you managed to impress and get praise from your grown kids; too few fathers experience that, since too many grown kids are know-it-alls -- fröliche Weihnachten
I'm cancelling my cable today. This is the only thing you need to watch in life!
William Luck , indeed!
TH-cam is the only channel worth watching.. Soaps and the news is depressing...
i bet you didnt cancel it
I haven't watch main stream TV in over 2 years and don't miss it where I live it is mostly re runs anyway. So it gives me time to do my things and choose what I want to watch on my computer.
I love the way u do stuffs, in perspectives, all Canadians have peace and skillful person like yours!
This brought tears to my eyes....remembering my family....memories.....
A warm cabin in a cold forest, a wood fire, Christmas cheer and food, what an idyllic scene.
Now the cabin is finally complete. The finishing touches are the companionship and love of family. Merry Christmas to all.
So Very True Elmer!
I don't know if he's quite finished yet, would like to see the back room, loft work. Merry Christmas to all!!!!
@@micwilliams7743 Yeah...lol...there's always something to be worked on next. The process. The journey. That's his happy spot (I believe).
I absolutely love your videos. Your cabin is the best designed one i've seen so far. You guys are living life that works for you. To have financial freedom the way you always wanted is truly a blessing not to mention being away from the stress of city life living that serene quiet life has to be the greatest thing ever. Kudos to you and your wife.
Cali is such a sweet, loving, and enthusiastic dog. It is such a delight to watch her.
So he has a wife and 2 daughters. It all makes sense now.
It's a bit extreme for a shed at the bottom of the garden...
made my day
My dad has a wife and 4 daughters. lol This guy reminds me of my dad.
@Gibberish Generator Yeah, especially since the first born WAS a boy, but he sadly died at 3 months old. I'm surprised it didn't destroy my dad.
T
This is what real joy looks like. Thanks for sharing. Better than anything on TV. Merry Christmas from South Carolina.
Well said from another true charlestonian 😁
Mr. Beach Walker. Joy is correct. How better served would humankind be if everyone found their calling and worked towards it while sharing these gifts with family and friends.
it sure is awesome family
Instant Christmas classic - something everybody has to watch each December 24th! Lovely in every aspect! Big respect.
Boy, this is just fantastic. A simple Christmas spent together. I love it! Thank you for sharing!
Seeing your beautiful wife and daughters as they're opening gifts brought tears to my eyes. It's wonderful to see you all together.
This is like the most wholesome thing on TH-cam. What a beautiful family!
Absolutely! Excellent observation!!!
What a beautiful family Christmas. Blessings to you all!
Tear worthy. Love to see it
What a dad create most spectacular magical magnificent memories for them.🤠
🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊💕🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊
Thank you for sharing your lives with us all. I wish all children could grow up with as much knowledge peace and love in their lives. Much love and the utmost respect to you all
Now that’s what it’s all about, nature and family at Christmas 🎄❤️
Thank you for the many hours of quiet relaxation I've had watching you videos this year.
You are a lucky man. The love your family has for each other and the pride and joy they have in what you have built shows through without a word of dialogue. Merry Christmas!
You can't buy what this man has! You forge it out of nature & life, then you need to nurture it through life & love! This man is living the life 80% of us wish we had. You go, sir! All the best to you & your family.
What a beautiful celebration, just add light singing and dancing ......
Beautiful!!! No flashing lights. No blow-up Santas. Just honest love and happiness and being together sharing. Very very well done.
Merry Christmas to you, your family and to all the viewers reading this.
Thanks
Merry Christmas
What a beautiful family. It's been a year, though, and I wish you the best, companionship, peace and above all love to y'all.
In the end, all that matters is family. You are blessed. You have a beautiful family, Shawn. God Bless you all.
Family times the best
So happy. What was missing is now so complete. Merry. Christmas from the Middleton family down south in Mississippi
How did I miss this one??? Almost a year later and THIS brought tears (of Joy) to my eyes.
I watch and rewatch this video often. It makes Christmas explode in my heart.
What a guy! Adventurous, easy on the eyes, strong, humble and intelligent
Wonderful family experience!
Don't take one day for granted. Living the dream my friend!!!!
You have so much to be Thankful for! God Bless you sir
I have never seen your Christmas at the cabin video until now. Truly heartfelt of you and your family during a special time and over 3 million view OMG. That is a Christmas well deserved just prior to Covid hitting this world. This one is worth watching again and again.
I Share these videos from Shawn, even talk about them; I encourage my friends and family members to WATCH HIS VIDEOS!!
I wish families around the world could live in peace and happiness like this ...
Could one need more, what a nice holiday celebration. Simple, sweet, and sentimental.
You are the best present to your family and also to us who watches your good works and lovely family. Great job brother!
I have never left a comment on any channel I watch. Merry Christmas to you and your family! Your videos have helped me through rough times, and are the way I can calm myself. Cherish every minute thank you
You're right his videos nice and quiet and relaxing. Just building stuff,cooking.. he lives in a peaceful world.. . I was raised up in totally opposite .. I never Comment But just watch.. . Love hes videos
THUGA Same man
Josh Wilson same here!
What a perfect Christmas that'll; with a doubt, go down in everyone's memory forever. Cabin, snow. forest setting, and a playful Cali dog. You have a beautiful family and much to be thankful for.
Pure Happiness. Treasure these moments. This is what life is all about
Looking at all that snow and can't help but to feel so much warmth in my heart and sole you and your family are so wholesome in love this is what the world and life is all about I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas God bless
Brought happy tears to my eyes to see your family with you for Christmas, God Bless You All!!
Joy Lipski me to
Hearing the girls laughing while sledding. Just awesome :-) Reminds me of my two daughters who are around the same age. Damn this virus.
Me too. Thanks
Wonderful !!! Brought tears to my eyes. Marvelous Christmas for you and your family !!! Truly the greatest blessing.
His world seems so perfect , beautiful wife and daughters and beautiful wilderness setting almost magical , even the dog is awesome , doesn't bark for no reason but only as a warning for a few seconds .
Great man, great father and a great family. God bless you and your beloved ones.
Thanks Shawn.............and Merry Christmas to you and your wife, and girls, and of course Cali, it's great to actually see them all, hahaha, the 3 of them have faces that aren't always hidden!
I gotta tell ya, seeing a family together at Christmas......that's something I haven't experienced for many years. And this year I was hoping to have my wife here in Canada from the Philippines, for her first Winter Christmas, unfortunately that wasn't possible this year, but next year it will be for sure.
Right from the beginning of this video I teared up man. I miss my family, my wife, my mom (she's been gone for almost 4 years), this year its really just hitting me hard. Sorry, not to be a downer. Seeing this video right now, really touched me.....it made me think how much I would love to have a cabin like yours to celebrate special times like Christmas in with family.
I came home from work, and the first thing I did was put a 'Crackling Christmas Fireplace' on,...on the tv via the internet. It's not the same at all as the real thing, but it does give me a feeling of comfort and memories from when I was a kid. We're only a year apart in age you and me. Anyway..........
I just wanted to make sure I wished the four of you all an incredible Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I've been waiting for your Christmas video. Out of the number of different channels I'm subscribed to, there's only 4 I wait to see posts from, your channel is always #1 of the first of those channels I wait for.
So my friend, from my wife Carine, all the way from the Philippines and myself here in Toronto, MERRY CHRISTMAS to you, your wife, and daughters, HEY, what are their names? I don't ever remember you saying their names! HAhahahahahahaa!!!!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! And THANK YOU for such awesome videos throughout the year.
Peace, Happiness, Love and Laughter,
-Matt
a real fashion old Christmas without electronics
It’s a great family with a leader Father who reassure the protection and providing for the family. That’s the figure of a great father. I want to be like that someday.
Nothing like love and family when it gets down to it that’s one of the best things in life.💓
for all who read this,a Merry Christmas
greetings from a Belgian bushcrafter
Merry Christmas to you as well, my friend! 💖🎄
...belated Merry Christmas in May!👵🐕old woman and her 16 yr. old Chow in the PNW wishes you well!😊🎶
Great channel! Love your work man!
Most important is that your family understands and support your type of life. They really love you.
Such a rare and treasured treat to see you with your wife and both of your beautiful daughters. Thank you all for sharing this precious time with us and thank you Shawn for all of your stunning and inspiring videos throughout the year. I hope you have some rest planned and spend it immersed in joy.
Not sure how many smiles this gave me! Family time is the best time!! Happy Holidays from South Dakota in the US!
You ment to say merry christmas...dont be a sheep.
@@rronaldreagan Yes, I do celebrate Christmas. I also know TH-cam is a wide-spread platform so I figured the appropriate wording could be filled in based on peoples Celebrations.
@@joshtaylor4832 How dare you think of other peoples and cultures when commenting on a global media platform! Such a typical liberal cuc sheep. Only ever think about yourself and demand everyone else fall in line with your opinions, because that;s wot make Murca gr8 agen!!
@@AD-kv9kj ok boomer
I agree with the smiles part. Also kinda got me weak, remembering I dont have a family at the age of 24..But its all good! Happy Holidays! : )
Merry Christmas so wonderful to see all the comments from around the world wishing you the very best! ❄️⛄🎀
reminds me so much of my father/mother/brother and I years ago .... only I remain. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Beautiful Family. It's so great to see your wonderful family and how loving you all are to each other. Cali is loved by everyone and she's so deserving. God bless you Cali and your beautiful wife and girls from here to eternity. bless your love always
That's very generous of you to include everyone online in your family celebrations. Thanks so much and merry Christmas to you all!
Yes, exactly what Kirk W said!
"It's hard to believe you made that" - understatement of the year.
Joe Ran People forgot what they can create with their own Hands. All what they need..
heard that and went looking for a comment didn't take long xD
Wow. A heart warming story. It's possible to live one's dream. How encouraging. Thank you for sharing your beautiful story, Beautiful Family.
That was pure delight. The winter scenery, Cali, your beautiful family.
Than you JAMES FAMILY 💝🎍🎅🎄🎁
You have beautiful daughters and wife, Merry Christmas to all of you.
Yes
I was crying tears when he opened the christmas parcel. A man lives his dream. What a great family you have!
I was crying also because that was a beautiful moment it was priceless
What a wonderful slice of life you have given us. Thank you.
You are a very fortunate man and I know you know that. A life well lived.