Happy December from the Dekker family!
I’ve been slow on getting ready for Christmas this year — in fact, we still don’t have any decorations up (I’ve been doing less and less decorating every year) and the kids haven’t even asked about it yet.
I also haven’t even started the process of ordering Christmas cards… I’ve even considered not sending them this year!
I’m still very excited for the Christmas season, but more than ever before, all the “extras” just feel like they’re getting in the way of celebrating instead of adding to the fun and joy of celebrating.
I’m always in favor of purging things (physical, emotional, mental) that feel like excess baggage… and this year, decorations and cards feel like extra baggage. Who knows, inspiration may strike in the 11th hour and I’ll pull something together… but I’m not stressing about it!
Despite our lack of decorations and Christmas card progress, we have been enjoying our favorite Christmas songs and goodies for a few weeks already (more on this below)!
Here are a few more of my favorites for the month!
FAVORITE MOMENT = Paiting Nails with Nora
Yes, I painted my fingernails — probably for the first time since high school (and even then, it was only for special occasions like spirit week or prom!)
I’m not really a “nail person”… and wouldn’t you know, my Nora just loves painting her nails, putting nail decals and stickers on, and growing her nails as long as her piano teacher will allow! 😉
I splurged a bit for Nora’s 10th birthday and surprised her with the full manicure set from Olive & June (with a coupon code) along with 10 different nail polishes.
We each did a manicure that first night, and I was impressed with how good it looked.
A week later, I was honestly flabbergasted that I still didn’t have any chips or smudges (even with all the yard work, housework, baking, cooking, fixing, washing, typing, piano playing, etc. I do each day).
The picture below is after 8 days… not too shabby!
When I put Nora to bed after our first night of manicures, she said in her prayers, “…and thanks that my mom and I could have lots of fun doing something that I know my mom doesn’t really like doing.”
So it looks like I’ll be doing more manicures in the upcoming months!
Use this link to get 20% off your order (and usually a free nail polish) if you’re interested in trying some of the Olive & June nail polishes yourself (or if you have a nail-loving daughter or granddaughter!)
PAST FAVORITE = Lighted Vests
Dave and use these lightweight, inexpensive lighted vests when we go walking/running in the morning or evening. They are adjustable and fit easily over our heaviest coats.
These vests offer “constant on” or “blinking” LED lights on the back (they come with batteries!) and reflective material on both the front and back.
They also come with a handy storage pouch.
We don’t use the vests much in the spring or summer when the days are longer, but they sure are handy for dark winter mornings and evenings.
FAVORITE CLOTHING = Orvis Sweatshirts
Last year, I purchased 2 sherpa fleece quarter-zip sweatshirts from Costco and basically lived in them all winter.
They were quite tattered and worn this year, so I headed back to Costco to see if they had anything similar. I was originally bummed when I didn’t see anything… until I came across a pile of extremely soft, cozy sweatshirts marked down to only $7.99.
I picked up 2… and have basically worn them every day since — the insides feel like the softest fleece material ever!
Here’s the Costco link for this exact shirt (although I’m not sure how much longer the link will work).
And here’s the Amazon link to similar Orvis items.
James and I were matching one day and he wanted a picture.
FAVORITE BOOK = The Wonder of Creation
The Wonder of Creation is the 3rd children’s devotional in a really fun series about God and Science — written by Louie Giglio — and it JUST released last month.
We own (and LOOOVE) the first 2 books, so when I saw a third book was coming, I immediately pre-ordered it.
The book arrived a couple of weeks ago and we have already enjoyed many of these new devotionals.
Here are links to all 3 of his “God + Science” devotionals:
- Indescribable: 100 Devotions for Kids about God and Science
- How Great is Our God: 100 Indescribable Devotions about God and Science
- The Wonder of Creation: 100 MORE Devotions about God and Science
If you have nature-loving, science-intrigued kiddos, I’m confident they will enjoy these daily devotionals as much as our children have over the past several years.
And honestly, you’ll enjoy them too. Dave and I have actually learned quite a bit about the science aspect of things, and Dave has used some of the devotionals with his high school students (the books are geared towards ages 5-12).
The illustrations are fantastic and the application concept is so apparent by the end of each short devotional message.
GET THE NEWEST BOOK: The Wonder of Creation
FAVORITE MEDIA = Amazon Music Unlimited
I’ve mentioned before that the only time I ever listen to music on the “radio” is during the Christmas season… and this year, like many years prior, I’ve happily capitalized on Amazon’s 3-months FREE Music Unlimited!
I signed up in mid-November and will enjoy Christmas music (usually just instrumental) from now through the end of January. Then I’ll cancel my membership before being charged.
Dave always listens to music, so he also benefits from our 3-month free trial!
If you’re in the mood for ad-free Christmas music (or any type of music) that you can play or stream to any device, I’d recommend cashing in on this fantastic Amazon freebie while it’s still here!
Just remember to cancel before your 3-month trial is up to avoid the $7.99 monthly fee.
Try it Now: 3 Free Months of Music Unlimited
FAVORITE HOBBY = Holiday Baking
Our home might not look all that Christmasy… but the kitchen sure smells good!
Clara and I have already surprised the big kids with several batches of our favorite Christmas cookies and bars, as well as 2 large batches of fudge and a really delicious dark chocolate pecan pie (recipe from a friend).
Needless to say, our after-school snacks have been elevated to a new level these last few weeks!
If you’re looking for easy, family-friendly holiday treats that use ingredients you probably already have in the house, let me hook you up!
Simple Christmas Favorites:
- The perfect cut-out sugar cookies
- Spiced molasses cookies
- Creamy lemon bars
- 4-layer caramel peanut butter fudge
- The most delicious (from a box) bundt cake
RELATED READING: Find your new favorite recipe in my virtual recipe box
FAVORITE RECIPE = Bacon-Wrapped Sausage Bites
Yup, they taste as good as they sound — and they are SOOOOO easy!
These delicious bacon-wrapped sausage bites are a holiday treat around our house and I’ve already made them once.
With only 3 ingredients, they are the perfect addition to a holiday brunch, a tasty appetizer that pairs well with almost anything, or a yummy sweet + salty snack everyone will gobble up.
You can assemble them in advance and bake when you are ready to eat… or bake them completely ahead of time and keep them warm in the slow cooker. You really can’t mess these up!
My only words of advice would be to make MORE than you think you’ll need — these always go quickly.
GET THE RECIPE: Bacon-Wrapped Sausage Bites
FAVORITE QUOTE = To Kill a Mockingbird
“People generally see what they look for and hear what they listen for.” – Atticus Finch (To Kill A Mockingbird)
I recently re-read this classic novel and then Dave and I borrowed the DVD from our library (yeah, we know how to have a good time!)
Dave loves To Kill A Mockingbird and has fond memories of reading it with many English students during his first few years of teaching, so he was more than willing to re-watch the movie and listen to me talk about the book over the last few weeks.
One quote (among many) that stuck with me was when Atticus said, “People generally see what they look for and hear what they listen for.”
I suppose this isn’t really a “favorite quote” but one that resonated with me because I know how true it can be in my own life.
How often do we simply see what we want to see and hear what we want to hear?
FAVORITE ARCHIVED POST = Christmas Cards
As I mentioned earlier, I don’t know if our family will send out a traditional Christmas Card — Dave thinks we should, but I don’t really feel like it (and let’s be honest, I’m the one who does all the work!)
So in lieu of the fact that I still haven’t ordered cards for 2021, I thought it might be fun to look back on many of our past Christmas cards (especially for newer readers!)
Find all my Christmas Card posts here.
That’s all for this month. 😆
If you’re interested, you can scroll through ALL my Favorite Things posts HERE!
Sylvia says
I signed up for the 3 months music trial. Thank you so much for the information.
Andrea says
oh good — we always do that around the holidays and it’s so fun to have “free music” just for a season. We look forward to it more that way than if we just purchased it all year long!
Audra says
Love all the simple memories you are creating with your kiddos.
Lisa says
I have a 10 year old daughter as well (she turned 10 on Nov 1!) so I love to follow your blog from that advantage point and all the others too! Thank you for sharing the splurge of the “Olive & June” nail set. I may have to get that for my daughter too. She LOVES doing our nails together ♥️
Andrea says
we’ve been loving the nail set this last month 🙂
I’m sure your daughter would get a kick out of it too!
ShellyL says
I have to say- your Favorite Things posts are among my very favorites. I’ve tried several things that you have suggested in the past. I also love that you are including things like “spending time with family’ on your lists now. As a long-time reader, I enjoy updates about your family. Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Andrea says
Thanks so much Shelly — I’ve appreciated your encouraging words and comments over the years!
Kelly says
I love your Favorite Things posts. I used your wrapping idea from last December of a big roll of brown craft paper and cute Merry Christmas stickers and I love how it turned out! I’m anxious to try some of your cookie and fudge recipes this Christmas season. Thanks for all your great ideas!!
Andrea says
you’re welcome — and yes, SIMPLE gift wrap is the BEST. It’s a huge space, time, and money-saver and we always get compliments on our wrapping!
Lauren says
Andrea, I have read your blog since 2013 and you have seriously been one of the most influential people in my life. It sounds weird to say, but it’s true. ☺️ I have 4 little ones, and they are all about a year younger than yours, so I always felt like you were one step ahead of me during those busy baby/toddler years. I checked your blog after washing breakfast dishes for years! Now I look forward to your weekly emails.
This week I’m shocked that you aren’t sending out Christmas cards! But boy that really helps me allow myself to some question all the things I *think* (or maybe sometimes what *others* think ☺️) I need to do – which is what I’ve always loved about your writing.
If there is ever such a weekday daily email list that would send out archived posts from your blog, I would be the first to sign up!
Now a question: you mentioned white and brown paper in your email – do you have a favorite source for that??
Thanks so much, Andrea!
Andrea says
Aw… thank you so much Lauren. Wow! What a kind comment 🙂
I did love the daily routine of posts, but now that I’ve switched, I honestly look back and don’t know how I did it every day for ALLLLL those years. I don’t know about anything that will regurgitate archived posts automatically… so you might be out of luck on that one!
As for the paper, I just get it on Amazon. Here’s a link for both white and brown. I try to get at least 36″ wide… otherwise it will be too skinny.
Tina McLarty says
Those devotionals look great!
Elizabeth says
I always appreciate your favorite things posts! I’ve found many favorites for myself!!
Cindy Bos says
I always look forward to your “favorite things” It’s like a try it before you buy it!!
Debbie says
I have the same Sherpa sweatshirts from Costco and love them! I’m going to search my Costco for your new soft sweatshirts because I am in need of more tops. Hope I can find them!
Kristina R says
Would you consider a blog post about getting homemaking together when you’re behind and overwhelmed by it? My family battled Covid for a month straight, starting early November, & it hit me the hardest. My house looks as bad as I felt/still feel. There are clutter piles in every room and it desperately needs a deep clean! While it bothers me, I don’t have the energy or stamina to do anything about it. I don’t even know where to begin, Andrea!
Andrea says
oh man — this is tough! sorry you’re in this situation (and in the middle of the holidays too!)
my first thought is: Do you have any friends or relatives who would be willing to come for a couple of afternoons just to help you get a jumpstart (it’s usually more motivating to work WITH another person)? If so, swallow your pride, send them an SOS text, and see if they are willing to help out!
if that’s not an option, I’d recommend removing EVERYTHING from your schedule that you can — even basic cooking (order take-out or make frozen meals or have cereal). Then use any extra time/energy you have to get caught up on the basics — dishes, laundry, toilets, etc.
I’d suggest writing a long list of everything that needs to be done (it will feel overwhelming at first) and then pick one or two things from that list each day.
It might take a while, but you’ll get back on top of things eventually!
Kim says
Thanks for the devotional recommendations! I’ve been looking for new ones for my kids!
Colleen says
I love your monthly favorite things posts!
Melissa says
I am right there with you regarding nail painting! My nails would crack and peel after a couple days with a professional manicure! But, my daughter LOVES getting her nails painted so I’m trying to do it more often for her. I’ll have to try the nail polish you mentioned! I also ordered the indescribable books- the first 2 for now. They’re part of Amazon’s “buy 3 for 2” sale so I found another devotional book to gift to my sister. Thanks so much for mentioning those books- I had never heard of them before and I’m certain my almost 6 and 8 year olds will love them! My 2 year old will of course just enjoy reading them with me! Thanks for all your tips and have a wonderful Christmas this year!
Andrea says
yay — I’m glad you got a deal on the devotionals! I know your kids (and sister) will enjoy them 🙂
Rachel says
I need to do another manicure day with my 10 y.o.; thanks for the reminder/encouragement to do so.
Re: cards
Maybe Dave wants to do the cards this year? I got a Christmas card & newsletter one year written by the husband, from the perspective of the family’s dog — and it was great! So often it’s the mother who writes it up, but I love when the responsibility is shared or switched up from year to year. Makes it much more fun and family oriented, I think.
Andrea says
Thanks so much for your suggestion about Dave writing a card/letter this year. I just emailed him with the idea and he might be interested. He has such a dry sense of humor — I’m sure it would be great.
Why did I not think of this before?
Heather Ratliff says
I always look forward to your Favorite Things posts!
Heather H says
Can’t wait to make some of your Christmas goodies this weekend!
Carol Gifford says
I always look forward to your monthly favorite things post. Actually I live reading everything you write about. I have followed your blog for years. I am a Grandma with 13 grandchildren. I have suggested your blog to my three daughter in laws. Merry Christmas to your precious family!
Andrea says
Thanks so much Carol! I appreciate your long-time readership!
Laura says
I love your favorite things posts! I have found so many great gift ideas from these posts and also things I didn’t know I needed for myself!
Sheryl says
Your Favorite Things posts each month are my favorite! I always look forward to them!
Debbie says
I always love your favorite things! I refer back to it often!
Chris says
I ordered some soap and some deodorant from Bend Soap. I have made homemade deodorant before but I had a reaction to the baking soda. Looking forward to these! Those sausages sound really good.
I hope you and your family have a wonderful, blessed, and peaceful Christmas. God bless you all!
Andrea says
Thanks Chris!
Hope you enjoy your Bend soap products! And yes, the sausages ARE good!!
Lori McEvoy says
Hi Andrea! Love all your posts! I haven’t sent out cards for years, and the amount we get has drastically decreased over the years. Not related to this post, but have you tried any new dinner recipes? I am so burnt out on the ones I have, nothing sounds good to me anymore!!!!! Hope you have a relaxing, simple holiday! Also, will you be showing the kids presents? I’m always amazed at the deals you find!!!!!
Andrea says
Hi Lori,
I haven’t tried all that many new recipes lately — we have a few dozen that my family likes and I’ve sort of just stuck to those this school year. I wonder if you just Google some of the ingredients you like and see what type of recipes pop up? Or maybe give yourself a week off of cooking (buy pre-made foods and go out to eat) and then see if inspiration strikes after a little break!
AEW says
I share your lack of enthusiasm for Christmas cards and decided several years ago to simplify my process. Now I only order a handful of them to send to older family members who aren’t on social media and then I post a photo of the card my own social media for all the remaining family, friends and acquaintances who I used to send them to. Now instead of sending 100+ every year I send under 20 and it’s made my life a whole lot easier! (And cheaper!)
Jeanine says
Awww, I love the story about your painting your nails with Nora. You are making such great memories with your children!
I started to contribute some of my favorite things, but then realized that most if not all are from your favorite things posts through the years, haha! One thing that I use and love all the time is the knife block that you keep in a drawer. No more knife block taking up space on the counter getting all dusty! I would love it if you would do an updated favorite things out of all the favorite things you’ve posted through the years!
Andrea says
Thanks Jeanine! I’m thrilled you love the knife block so much — it’s still a top favorite of mine too!
2 years ago, I did a big updated “Favorite Things” list… but that’s it. It feel overwhelming to me to go through 9 years worth of favorite things… but maybe I should do it this year. It would be fun to look back!
Jeanine says
I can understand. That would be overwhelming to go through all of your favorite things posts. Maybe just do one year at a time, and pick out the things you still use and love the most? Anyway, thanks for all the good ideas through the years!
Debbie says
I’m feeling lazy to decorate for Christmas this year too. Time is just going so fast that I feel the time to put it up and tearing it down outweighs the time it’s appreciated. My favorite clothing for the past month are joggers made by 32 degrees. They look great, comfortable, and at a great price. 32 degrees have the most comfortable fabrics for clothing and affordable. I discovered their shirts at Costco this summer and learned they had a website.
Andrea says
I can relate to the feelings of “the amount of time it takes to put up and take down outweigh the time it’s appreciated”. We really scaled back our decore too!
And I’m wearing my 32 degree joggers RIGHT NOW! love them!
JJ says
That van pic is the best! Where real life memories are made–love it! Andrea, your sugar cookies truly are the best and one of my favorite things!
The personal planner is also another. I ordered the new one and got it and have been using it. It’s the smaller planner, and for some reason helps me so much more. I get easily distracted and think there is less busyness on the smaller pages. I like how they have planners to fit all different styles.
I also really appreciate that quote! It is definitely thought-provoking!
One of my favorite things is our herb and lettuce brick “boxes” outside. But I need help. Squirrels. How do you keep them away? Our dog has fun chasing them, but she’s an indoor dog and they know this.
Andrea says
we didn’t have any issues with squirrels this year — mainly rabbits, but then we sprayed a really stinky “urine spray” that got them to stop coming by our garden. Maybe it would work for squirrels too!?!
And speaking of Personal Planners — I got my 2022 planner in the mail TODAY!! yay!
LoriB says
Love the manicure with Nora story. It convicts my heart because I fuss and complain every time I do it with my special daughter. Shame on me. I could cry but I’d rather do things differently next time.
There were many years of no Christmas cards for our family. Now I’m enjoying them again but only send them to friends and family who live far away.
Love your favorite things posts. It’s always a nice way to start the month.
Janice says
Thanks for the Costco link for the Orvis Tunic Sweatshirt! I purchased the green one and the grey one in the medium. I will enjoy wearing these! Merry Christmas!
Andrea says
you’re welcome — I have the green and red, but I’ve considered buying the grey online too!
JoDi says
I love how you and Crystal from MSM are both so good about fostering your daughters’ interests that are very different from your own. They will benefit from and appreciate it their whole lives!
Those Orvis sweatshirts from Costco are amazing. I bought one in early fall and I wish I’d grabbed 2!
Thank you for the heads up on the Nutrimill mixer sale. I ordered one and can’t wait for it to arrive to start making cookie dough!
Andrea says
Crystal is the best! She’s a great online friend (I’ve worked as her virtual assistant since Nora was born!) she is totally genuine!
If you haven’t read her parenting book, I highly recommend it (it was one of my favorite things a few months back!)
JoDi says
Great recommendation! I listened to her book a month or so ago even though my son is long grown. LOL It was great.
I believe I first found your site through a guest post on MSM. I still get her emails but mostly so I can read stories about her family. I really enjoy their podcast too. 🙂
Christina says
I have to tell you I personally skipped Christmas cards a few times. I want to celebrate Christmas all month long, yet for me that doesn’t mean the cards or the tree, or the decorations. I have changed it up several times in our home and skipped the cards a few years. We did all the photo cards, or the updating letters, or just the cute cards I found that year, but honestly you SHOULD skip it and honor how you feel right now. It’s all about what works for you RIGHT NOW! It’s about setting new traditions and doing what works for this season of life. As I type all this, I know it’s from reading your blog ten plus years now and learning to work out what works best for our home, in that season.
That being said, thanks for the reminder of the sausage bacon bites I am bringing to my next get together!
One more comment on the word “should.” I took and completed eliminated that word and instead replaced it with “I want to.” Don’t do it because you always did, do it because it is a desire for you!
Happy December!
Rebecca says
Those devotionals look interesting. I have been slowly going through the devotional book called Long Story Short with my two oldest. I really like how it covers the entire Bible and not just the “fun” stories. It really makes them think and doesn’t sugarcoat what’s in there.
Also I usually love sending cards too but I decided to let go of that this year. I just had my 4th baby in September and I am getting ready to head back to work next week in the middle of the busy holiday season and I just needed to let go of something.
I decorated last weekend and decided I am definitely going to be purging some Christmas decorations to keep life simpler. Also my almost 10 year old woke up early one morning (after I put lights on our tree the night before) and put all the ornaments on our tree. I spent like 3 minutes spacing a few of them out better but it was a big stress relief so I think that’ll be a kid job from now on!
Sherry says
My husband and I love to receive Christmas cards and even thought it takes time, I find value in sending cards. Each 100 plus card I write, I think about the person/family and how grateful I am to have them in our lives. I try to make the task joyful instead of a burden.
Andrea says
I love this! That’s how I feel about cleaning — It’s a joy to clean my home for my family (and myself) not a burden!
And for the record, I don’t view Christmas cards as a burden — I just simply don’t currently have the desire to create/send them this year.
Kaethe says
Great post! My daughters love Olive & June and it makes for such a great gift idea. I love Christmas cars, but only if it works for you in this particular season. We have moved several times and it is a fun way (other than social media) to stay in touch with people we miss. Do you have any suggestions on ways to display the cards we receive? We love to look through them regularly throughout the Christmas season but I never want too much clutter around.
Andrea says
Hi Kaethe,
Here’s a post I did many years ago about organizing and repurposing holiday cards. We always hang ours on a bit pillar in our kitchen — but I know many who make them into garland and hang them up every year. I also know about people who hole-punch their cards for each year and put them on a ring/clasp with the date at the beginning. They keep ALLLL their cards forever and bring them out every year.
Kara says
I haven’t sent Christmas cards the last couple years. It relieved a lot of stress over capturing the perfect family picture. Something quite challenging with 3 kids. I enjoy your continued focus on simplifying. Merry Christmas!
Mary says
I do send photo cards, including pictures of my grown daughters and their families since they don’t send cards. I still enjoy receiving cards so figure it’s worth the effort. A few years ago I created a file in Word with mailing addresses to print on labels as well as return address labels. All I have to do is update addresses through out the year if I know someone has moved, died, etc. At first I thought preprinted labels looked to impersonal but seems like everyone does it. I think I could turn the whole thing over to my 8 year old granddaughter, she’d love putting on the labels and stamps. So I’m lazy but I think people we don’t see like getting pics of us and our kids.
Donna Marie says
Well, I know Christmas cards are an expense, but don’t you like receiving them? They are work too, but you can get them out in no time if you watch t.v. or do something else while addressing them. They are a gift to those you haven’t seen for the past year. They are something for those who don’t get much correspondance. Think about it and get those cards out!!! (Okay???)
Andrea says
Yes, you make many valid points… however, I do think people we mail our cards to can handle one year without our faces plastered on their fridge! After all, I estimate that 70% of people we mail our cards to never ever mail out Christmas cards. So I think I can take a year off without guilt!
Ann says
What? You’re not sharing the recipe for the dark chocolate pecan pie? I wonder how different it is from mine.
I LOVE the reflective vests! Unfortunately, the link only offers them in orange and, for whatever reason, I am not as fond of those. If you see them in the neon yellow, let us know!
Andrea says
I’ve never made pecan pie before — but after looking up a bunch of different recipes, they all seem to be VERY similar. I just added 1 cup of Dark Choc. chips to the pecan mixture before pouring the “sauce” over. Very easy — VERY good!
Ann says
I use semi sweet chips and cover the bottom of the crust with them. Then add the nuts and then the sauce. SO rich! So good!
Andrea says
yes sounds amazing! But… if you have dark chocolate, try that next time. It was REALLY good! I’m not looking for an excuse to make it again — I just stocked up on Pecans at Costco yesterday!
Adri says
Oh my, you nailed it! I have an 11 yr old science lover getting baptized on her birthday in two weeks…those books are going to make her so happy! I also ordered her the Olive and June last week as she requested a manicure (like her friends) and I promised her “mommy manicures” in exchange-she loved that idea. Thank you!!!!
Andrea says
yay — she will love the devotionals! Congrats to you and your daughter!
Katherine says
Thanks Andrea for another great post. I just wanted to let you know that in England (and the rest of Britain) bacon wrapped sausages are called, ‘Pigs in Blankets’! They are a traditional feature of a Christmas meal, although they make a great side dish in any meal! 🙂 Katherine, from the middle of England
Ann says
Katherine, here we call sausages wrapped in puff pastry or biscuit dough “pigs in a blanket”
Andrea says
Yes… we have “pig in the blankets” too, but they are a ground sausage mixture (not a hot-dog type sausage) wrapped in really flaky puff pastry (not bacon!)
JoDi says
Oh that’s funny! Pigs in a blanket are pieces of hot dog wrapped in crescent roll dough where I’m from. So many different versions of the same thing!
Shelley says
Love this post! The sausage bites look delicious. In the UK we call them ‘pigs in blankets’ and have them with our Christmas dinner!
Wishing you and your family a fab festive season x