Our Rural Roots

Jennifer Campbell, Contributor

Every year, my husband asks what I want for Christmas. Then, one gift finally helped me see how to ensure Christmas magic does come true: Everything on my wish list needs to be tax deductible. A present on Christmas morning for me is a present on tax day for him.

It was Christmas 2014, and I had been begging all year for an adjustable cushion hitch for my pickup truck. When what to my wondering eyes did appear, but a 250-pound bumper hitch in my living room right under the Christmas tree. From that moment forward, I knew my Santa letters needed to include tax write-offs.

My Christmas list could be endless, but I’ve narrowed it down to a couple of things that would make my life easier. Now, let’s be clear that I want for nothing--except maybe a month on a warm island … but I digress.

On my list this year is new feed bin lids equipped with chains and actual handles. Currently, each bin is different--some lids fall off randomly; some are bent and need finagled; some you have to climb to get open. All I really want for Christmas is feed bin lids, so that next Christmas, I’m not asking for my two front teeth from falling off a bin.

Yes, if Virginia and I are to believe there is a Santa Claus, then he will also leave a new pair of chore boots that don’t leak and wash pants that don’t have tears in them. Forget about the “Twelve Days of Christmas,” I want to stay dry washing hog barns all year long.

Tax-deductible gifts give again on tax day, and that makes my husband very happy, which, in return, is my gift to him. All he asks for are receipts and that this article doesn’t get him audited.

“God bless us, every one!”

Jennifer (Jent) Campbell signs her Santa letters: Love, an Indiana farm wife and a farmer. She writes a blog called Farm Wife Feeds (farmwifefeeds.com). Follow her on Twitter @plowwife and on the podcast @girlstalkag.

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