We’re officially in the homestretch of 2020… what a year it has been!
I appreciate your loyal readership, comments, emails, and words of encouragement so much!
Truly, many of you feel like dear friends… even though we’ve never actually met “in real life”.
As we look ahead to another New Year, another “fresh start”, I want to take a moment to share our family’s Christmas greetings with you.
Our 2020 Christmas Card:
I’ve had this idea for our 2020 Christmas card tucked in the back of my brain for years, so it was fun to finally see it in print!
The picture on the right, from 2010, was the exact picture I used for our 2010 Christmas card — sent out the week we officially moved into our new farmhouse!
My, how times have changed!
Here’s the back of the card.
NOTE: each year, I design our Christmas cards (and birth announcements) through Canva and print them as postcards through Vista Print. They are SUPER inexpensive… and I simply buy my own envelopes!
A few Christmas Carols!
We recorded the kids singing a couple of songs for our church’s virtual services. I thought it would be nice to share them with you as well.
If you need a smile today, their precious voices will certainly do the trick!
What can I give Him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb. If I were a wiseman, I would do my part. But what can I give Him? Give Him my heart.
Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright, round yon virgin, mother and child! Holy infant, so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace! Sleep in heavenly peace!
In keeping with tradition, I’ll be away from the online world for the next couple of weeks, starting tomorrow — but I’m excited to share a bunch of new content with you NEXT YEAR!
Have a very Merry Christmas!
Kate C says
Merry Christmas from Oz!!
I love that Nora is growing up and was like “do I have to do this?” at first in the silent night song but then got into the groove!
Beautiful family 🙂 – enjoy the down time away from this world Andrea!
Barbara Baker says
What a difference ten years can make! In 2010 you celebrated a new house, and in 2020 you are celebrating your children. They are truly gifts from God. Thanks for adding their songs – they have good voices, and your youngest has power in hers! Or maybe it’s just a lack of self-consciousness.
Cathy D. says
You are a blessing, and your children’s singing brought me much joy! Thank you, and Merry Christmas.
Denise says
Been following you for 10 years…always enjoyed your blog. Listening to your kids sing … adorable!! You and Dave are doing a great job!!
Jennifer Miller says
Merry Christmas, Dekker family!!
Hannah Beth Reid says
The card idea is brilliant! My children enjoyed hearing your children sing!
Wendy says
Andrea, I enjoy your blog posts so much. I don’t know how long I’ve been watching your blog, but I know it’s been a while. Have a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Andrea says
Thanks so much Wendy — yes, your comment went through just fine 🙂
I appreciate your kind words and your long-time readership!
Karlyn says
What a blessing to hear the children sing! It reminded me of recently listening to a rendition of Silent Night by Sue Thomas, a woman who has been deaf all her life. It was included in the recent YouTube video, “A Merry Homecoming Christmas with Bill & Gloria Gaither and Friends.” Although slightly off key at times, it was beautiful and touching to think how hard she had to work to learn to speak and sing to the Lord. No Scripture to back this up, but I think sometimes that God may silence the angels for just a bit of time so all of heaven can listen to the sweet voices of children and those who are disabled sing His praises. They are doing what they can for His glory! Thanks so much for sharing these inspiring videos!
Andrea says
Well, that’s a lovely thought! Thanks for sharing today, Karlyn!
Tara says
I’ll join the chorus of love and Christmas wishes for you and the family. What a great idea for a card. I remember those days. Can’t believe that was 10 years ago already. What a beautiful ride. I’m so thankful for you, your family and all the ways you have inspired and encouraged me over the years. So many of us have never been shown how to break down organization into small manageable tasks and systems. You’ve revolutionized more homes and family systems than mine I’m positive. Have a wonderful Christmas.
Andrea says
Thanks so much, Tara! Yes, 10 years few buy, didn’t it!?!
I’m so thankful you’ve stuck around all these years… and for your many encouraging comments and emails 🙂
Kristi says
Those are the best Christmas Carols I’ve heard all season! ❤️ Merry Christmas to you and yours!!
Andrea says
haha — thanks Kristi!
Debbie says
Merry Christmas to you and the family! You and Dave look exactly the same except for the hair. Thanks for sharing!
Andrea says
well thanks for the compliment — I’m not sure I totally agree (you can see the wrinkles for me or the grey hairs for him in the picture — LOL!)
Julia says
Merry Christmas to you and your family! I love your Christmas card, and you have the cutest carolers around.
Andrea says
Thank you Julia!
Pam says
Merry Christmas to your family. What a great card and thanks for sharing the videos…precious voices singing in praise!
Looking forward to another year of simplifying and organizing with you! Thank you for keeping us motivated.
Andrea says
yay — I’m always good for a little motivation (especially if it’s to get more organized!)
Rachel Collins says
Thank you for sharing such wonderful videos of the children singing! I enjoyed them so much. I can’t believe how old Nora looks now. Seems like yesterday she was a baby. Merry Christmas to you and yours
Andrea says
I know — she’s looking very grown-up lately. And she’s so tall (in the 95% for her age!)
Paulette says
Oh Andrea, thank you for sharing your life and family with us! Your family is absolutely precious. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you.❤️
Andrea says
Thanks Paulette — for all your kind words and encouragement over the years.
ShellyL says
Merry Christmas, Andrea and family!! Thank you for sharing the card and videos. I love the card!! Just like you said, the kids singing brought a big smile to my face. I look forward to “seeing you” in 2021. Love to all!
Andrea says
we are thrilled to give you an extra smile today 🙂
Penny says
I love your hair in 2010!
Andrea says
me too! 🙂
It was a lot of work though — I had to straighten it every day because the front was so “long” and my hair is very curly. I’m actually just starting the process of growing the front out a bit longer. We’ll see how long it takes!
Janet McAuliffe says
Love your card! You have a beautiful family. I too am so grateful that our great God is unchanging, faithful and good….all the time. Hope you have safe and healthy holidays. Merry Christmas!!
Andrea says
Thanks Janet — Merry Christmas!
Carol Lorette says
What a beautiful Christmas card.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Enjoy your “vacation”.
I wish for you and your loved ones a Happy and Healthy New Year.
Andrea says
Thanks Carol — yes, I like the “vacation” in parenthasis! Not really a ‘vacation’ when I’m home with 4 crazy kiddos… but a break from our “normal routine” so that is very welcome! 🙂
Sharyl says
Merry Christmas to you and your family. It was lovely seeing your card and hearing your sweet babies carols.
Thank you for all that you do. God bless.
Andrea says
Thanks for your kind words, Sharyl
Heather says
I’ve been following your blog for years now. It is always so refreshing to read and a wonderful start to my day.
Thank you for sharing your Christmas card with us; your children are precious.
Have a wonderful Christmas.❤️
Andrea says
Thanks Heather — and you’re welcome 🙂
I hope you enjoy a wonderful Christmas too!
Fran says
Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year….your family is beautiful ❤️
Andrea says
Thanks Fran!
Susanne says
Merry Christmas to you and your precious family! Thank you for sharing the songs. I remember my children singing What Will I Give Him? in a church Christmas program when they were so small. Good memories!
Andrea says
awww… that’s so sweet. Yes, Nora actually sang it by herself for a church program back when she was only 4… time flies!
Mary Hondorp says
Your Christmas card was a big reminder of how much ten years has changed our lives. Ten years ago we were both working together. Now you have 4 beautiful children who blessed me with their singing (something I’ve missed so much this year), a dreamed of home and work that is perfect for you. I’ve been retired for ten years and have been blessed with a great grandchild. What hasn’t changed is our love for our Lord and that we can still celebrate his birth. Thank you and please continue sharing. I love it.
Andrea says
Thanks for this Mary — yes, 10 years ago we were both at very different stages in life! Wow, I can remember the cookie exchanges at work like they were yesterday — but in reality, they were 10-15 years ago! Enjoy those great-grandchildren — you certainly aren’t old enough for that yet! LOL!
Jen says
Wow! I found your blog the very week you were moving into your farmhouse. So, I guess that means I’ve been following the Dekkers for 10 years! Merry Christmas to you and your sweet family. Praying God’s richest blessings on you during this holiday season and in the year ahead. Thanks for all you do!
Andrea says
oh wow — that was a fun week for sure! Glad you’ve stuck around this long…seriously, I appreciate all your kind and encouraging comments over the last decade. Merry Christmas to your (much older than 10 years ago, now with married children) family!
Kim says
Oh my goodness, those precious children! Thank you and Dave for faithfully teaching them about the Lord. Well done! Can you even imagine the JOY hearing them sing brings to God!
Hope you have a wonderful, meaningful, restful holiday.
Oh I do miss your more frequent posts, dear friend. You are a breath of fresh air and inspiration. And, now, on to resting in God’s sovereignty in the coming year.
Andrea says
Thanks for the encouragement! I too miss the more regular updates… maybe again in the future. But for now, we rest 🙂
Patti Painter says
Merry Christmas, thanks for sharing the kids voices. Made my day. Enjoy your break!
Michelle says
These carolers make my Christmas! Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a blessed 2021!
Andrea says
Honestly, they sort of make my Christmas too. Clara sings while I play almost every day when the kids are at school. She just loves it! Thankfully, the older ones are willing participants too 🙂
Michelle says
She is so precious and sings with all her heart!
Ashley says
Merry Christmas Andrea! What a fun Christmas card, and a great reminder in a year that has felt so uncertain! I too am so thankful God is unchangeable and faithful. Enjoy your time with your family!
Andrea says
Thanks Ashley,
Merry Christmas to your tribe of little men too!
Chris says
Merry Christmas to you and all your family too, Andrea! I loved the “message” on your Christmas card. So nice to see the children singing, too. 🙂
Andrea says
Thanks Chris!
Patsy Dodgson says
Dear Andrea, Merry Christmas to you and your family and a happy, healthy new year. Patsy
Andrea says
Thanks Patsy! Same to you 🙂
Carmen says
Merry Christmas to you, Dave and to the four adorable singers!
Andrea says
Thanks so much Carmen! We think they’re pretty adorable singers too 🙂
Pam says
I seldom comment, but really enjoy your blog. When I listened to your adorable kids singing that familiar song, it spoke “Christmas” to my heart. Thank you for all that you do to help us readers make our lives better. God bless you and your precious family!
Andrea says
Thank you Pam. I appreciate your kind words of encouragement today!
JoAnn C. says
Aww, so much cuteness in the two videos. Thanks, Andrea.
Happy Holidays and wishes for a peaceful, safe, and healthy new year to you and your beautiful family.
Andrea says
Thank you, JoAnn
Katie says
LOVE the back of your Christmas card! Very well said. Adorable children too! I’m sure that was a blessing to others in your church. Merry Christmas!
Andrea says
Thanks Katie! The card was fun to create!
Teri says
Merry Christmas, Andrea! Thank you for the beautiful gift of your children’s voices in song. The first one made me smile. The second one had me sobbing as that song has such meaning in my family. My Dad says he remembers even as a young child his extended family singing that WHENEVER they were gathered-not just at Christmas-and we have carried on that tradition. Will be difficult not being with them all this Christmas, but we’re not able to isolate in order to see them and won’t take that risk with their ages being 80+. We will video chat and that will help some. It will be a joyous July Christmas, however❤️. Enjoy your family, the holidays and your break.
Andrea says
Glad to bring a smile (and happy tears) to you this morning. Sorry you can’t be with your family — that’s hard! We have friends who are doing Christmas in July this year too 🙂 That’s something to look forward too.
Jeanne says
Merry Christmas to you and your sweet family, Andrea! Thank you for all you do and for sharing all you share. Seeing your lovely children singing so sweetly warms my heart. Looking forward to whatever you have to share in the coming year. Be well.
Andrea says
Thanks Jeanne, and Merry Christmas!
LoriB says
Oh, how precious! Love seeing each child’s personality (and age) as they sing. Merry Christmas!!!
Andrea says
yes… their personalities definitely come through while singing 🙂
Shelley says
Merry Christmas to you and your family Andrea. Thank you so much for sharing the carols from the kids, they are super sweet and very festive!
Wishing you a very happy new year too, when it comes.
Andrea says
Thanks Shelley!
Sally Kurjan says
Merry Christmas to the Dekker family! I love your Christmas card and your sweet children’s songs made my heart happy. You are absolutely right – our God is unchangeable! Many blessings foe the New Year.
Andrea says
Thanks Sally — Clara is now the one “obsessed” with your puppy books. She’s been on a dog kick lately so we reread them regularly 🙂