Happy Birthday to Dave!
Our immediate and extended family have so many birthdays between Thanksgiving and New Year’s that it sometimes feels overwhelming, but we just take them one at a time.
Today is Dave’s day, and I think the kids are more excited than he is!
In addition to Dave (and my children’s’ excitement over celebrating him) here are a few more of my favorite things…
FAVORITE MOMENT = Setting Up the Tree
We set up our tree in a new spot this year and I just LOVE it!
We can see it from the mudroom, the kitchen, the dining room, the office, the hallway… and the soft white lights create such a nice atmosphere all day and night.
Our electric bill is always a bit higher in December, but I just consider it a gift to myself — one I thoroughly enjoy all month long.
Interestingly enough, I didn’t put up ANY other decorations this year — so far, no one has said a thing!
I think the twinkling tree is festive enough for everyone (and I saved myself a bunch of “hassle”).
FAVORITE ROUTINE = Early Gift Opening
Several years ago, we unknowingly started a “tradition” of opening our family gifts SUPER early in December.
It began when Nora attended the Love Bazaar at school. She was so excited to hand out her gifts that we decided to have our family “Christmas” the next day.
Since then, we’ve regularly opened our family gifts on the first Saturday in December, right after breakfast… and we did it again this year.
The kids were beyond excited to pass out their gifts to the rest of the family… and they were surprisingly quite thrilled with their gifts of socks, underwear, candy, and games from Dave and me.
The whole morning was easy, relaxed, low-key, and chill.
And now we’re done. 🎉
The kids will still get gifts from grandparents later in the month… but opening our own family gifts in early December has become one of my favorite holiday traditions.
I now this might seem totally crazy to some of you… but we’re OK with crazy sometimes!
We will now enjoy a leisurely Christmas morning with cake (for Jesus’ birthday), church, playing with new toys and games, and hopefully not much else.
RELATED READING: Why We Give Our Kids Some Used Gifts
PAST FAVORITE = tiny lights
When the days are short and the nights are long, one of my most favorite things is to enjoy our home in the glow of various “tiny lights”, as I call them.
I have these antique silicone candle bulbs in almost every room, and they give off such a nice glow (especially with the Christmas tree close by).
The tiny lights create a more peaceful mood and slow our pace every evening after dinner.
RELATED READING: How (and why) we “hush the house” every night.
FAVORITE CLOTHING = Bogs Boots
I’m rarely one to buy brand names — especially not for kids — but boy do I love Bogs boots!
We’ve always been fortunate to find our Bogs used on Facebook Marketplace (usually for $15 per pair) but if you can’t find them used, just buy black and pass them down through all your kids.
Bogs are waterproof, mud-proof, cold-proof, and practically indestructible.
They are also EXTREMELY easy to get on and off — a must for quick clothing changes at school!
RELATED READING: How we organized our kids’ winter gear.
Our kids love Bogs boots, and they have certainly become one of my favorite things!
FAVORITE BOOK = The Ultimate Girls’ Body Book
I was hesitantly optimistic about this book — so many of the books I had previously “tested” did not live up to my expectations.
However, I was pleasantly surprised.
The Ultimate Girls’ Body Book did an excellent job of approaching sensitive topics and questions in a non-awkward, non-lame, age-appropriate way… from a scientific/medical standpoint AND with a solidly Biblical perspective.
Nora and I read through the entire book and it sparked lots of great discussions (hopefully with more to come).
As I mentioned above, I read the book first — highlighting many passages and jotting notes before she read it. She seemed to enjoy it.
If you’re looking for a good book to help you discuss body image, puberty, and similar topics with your 9-12-year-old daughter, I’d give this book two thumbs up.
GET THE BOOK: The Ultimate Girl’s Body Book
FAVORITE MEDIA = Free Music Unlimited
Every December, I subscribe to Amazon’s “Free month of Music Unlimited” and enjoy all my favorite Christmas music all month long.
This year, they offered THREE free months (Black Friday), so I can listen through February if I want to expand my listening past the holidays.
Either way, if you enjoy unlimited amounts of Christmas Music, you should definitely get your free month of Music Unlimited!
RELATED PRODUCT: We use this Bluetooth speaker to play our music.
FAVORITE HOBBY = practicing the French Horn
After an almost 20-year hiatus from the French Horn, I purchased a beautiful double horn on Facebook Marketplace over Thanksgiving weekend.
Now, Nora and I can play together (she plays the trombone) and I’m playing in the brass group at church on Christmas morning!
We’re currently on the lookout for a nice baritone for Dave, and the boys want to learn the trumpet (let me know if you’re selling one!)
RELATED READING: How to have a hobby when you don’t have the time.
FAVORITE RECIPE = 4-Layer Fudge
My 4-layer caramel peanut butter fudge is one of our family’s favorite holiday treats — I ONLY make it during the holidays because it’s very rich and sweet!
If you like chocolate, peanut butter, caramel, and fudge… you will love this recipe.
It takes a bit of time in the kitchen as every layer needs to “set”… but it makes a bunch (and you can freeze it for later).
RELATED READING: 4-Layer Caramel Peanut Butter Fudge
FAVORITE QUOTE =
“I heard the bells on Christmas Day… their old familiar carols play… and wild and sweet, the words repeat… of peace on earth, good-will to men.” ~ Henry Longfellow
Nora is playing this song in church on Sunday (Simon is playing The First Noel and James is playing Hark! The Harold Angels Sing).
With all her practicing, I’ve had the words running through my mind for weeks now.
It’s one of my favorite OLD Christmas hymns…
FAVORITE ARCHIVED POST = Gifts for the person who has EVERYTHING!
I know you have at least one of these people on your gift list this year!
The grandparents who insist they don’t want anything… the hard-to-buy-for aunt who definitely doesn’t need anything…
Whoever it is, I THINK I have a few simple gift ideas for you this year. They are perfect for the person who already has everything!
Read the full posts here.
That’s all for me this month… and this year! 😆
If you’re interested, you can scroll through ALL my Favorite Things posts HERE!
Michele says
If you get a chance to see the Sight and
Sound movie, I Heard the Bells, I highly recommend it!! The beautiful story of faith and the struggles of the broken world will give Longfellow’s quote new depth and appreciation.
Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family!
Andrea says
it’s on my list of things to do with Nora over Christmas break! Thanks!
Hannah Beth Reid says
Thank you for the book recommendation!
Mary in Maryland says
Another brass family–I played trumpet as did both my brothers. One sister played French horn and the other did slide trombone. I was the oldest and asked my 15 years younger brother to plan the music for my wedding. At 14 he was very excited to be doing this. My mother, however, called to warn me that the group of siblings was planning a brass quartet for most of the music. We were–individually and as a group–not musically talented. I asked Mom if they all knew anything besides the “Notre Dame Fight Song”. She said they were working on “Amazing Grace”. I said whatever they worked out would be fine with me. Gack–I still start laughing whenever I think of it. They weren’t awful, but the youngest bro–and first cornet–was crying during the recessional. So all we got were the supporting parts. By the end the whole congregation was laughing. It was the group’s first and only public appearance. It sounded like the house after school when everyone was practicing different songs. The groom made me promise all our children would play winds or percussion.
Andrea says
haha — this is a great story!
Margaret says
Thank you for all these great resources! And since you mentioned your favorite hymn… wondering if you’ve heard about the new movie that tells the story of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and this poem? https://www.iheardthebellsmovie.com/
Andrea says
thanks Margaret — yes, a few others mentioned the new movie and I’m interested in taking Nora to see it now that she had learned the song!
Amy says
Thank you for the 5 Simple Gift Ideas! Craftsy is only $2.79 right now for a 12 month membership! Perfect for my hard to buy for mother in law.
Andrea says
yes, I’ve gotten that Craftsy deal before too — such a great (clutter-free) gift!
Allison says
We love BOGS for all the same reasons as you and have never had to buy brand new until this year. I bought 2 black pairs to pass along to other siblings and I ordered them from the BOGS website during the summer when they were 50% off! Easy to put on boots that keep feet dry are priceless!
Andrea says
good to know — I’ll have to look for summer sales on Bogs and stock up 🙂
Also, so fun that our kids take piano from the same teacher!
Chris says
I love the tree there! 🙂
Barb says
I received my first Bend Soap package yesterday and look forward to pampering my very sensitive skin!
I look forward to your posts and recommendations, today I checked out the book you suggested for girls. There’s a special little girl in our life that will have lots of questions in the near future.
Thanks for all you share and encourage us to look at the little things in life that brings contentment.
Wishing you and your family joy as you celebrate all God has gifted you.
Andrea says
yay — your skin will love Bend soap!! and I hope you enjoy the book too 🙂
Merry Christmas to you!
Paulette says
Andrea, I simplify Christmas Day by preparing finger foods, appetizers, cookies, candies, etc., ahead of time and setting everything up buffet style Christmas late morning. That way, I’m not working in the kitchen for hours and the family can eat whenever they wish ALL DAY! It’s my favorite thing now. Merry Christmas to you and your sweet family and Happy Birthday to Dave!
Andrea says
Sounds like my kind of menu! You know I’m all about making the food in advance! And our family is huge fans of “appetizer” and “snacky” meals 🙂
Jen says
“I Heard the Bells” is my favorite Christmas hymn! Did you know there’s a movie out about Longfellow/the song right now? I’ve heard mixed reviews and I don’t know that we’ll get to the theater to see it, but I’m looking forward to seeing it at some point. Here’s the trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKRc3BykJvg&ab_channel=Sight%26Sound
Happy birthday to Dave and merry Christmas to the Dekkers!
Andrea says
Oh wow — this movie looks like something I’d love. But I dislike movie theaters (too loud) so I’ll wait for it to get to Netflix or Amazon Prime — thanks for sharing though!
Donna Marie says
I think it is a neat idea that you open the presents from your immediate family early. It spreads the gift giving out (and the excitement!)
Andrea says
It IS nice to spread out the excitement and gifts 🙂
Plus, my kids REALLY needed new socks and underwear so I was happy to gift it to them a few weeks earlier — LOL!!