Christmas 2025

“So this is Christmas,
  And what have you done?
  Another year over,
  And a new one just begun.”

– Happy Xmas (War Is Over) by John Lennon & Yoko Ono

This is the first Christmas letter I’ve ever written. I’ve sent cards sporadically over the years, but never something like this. If you’re reading this, thank you for joining me in something new. I hope 2025 treated you well, or at least you learned something worthwhile.

Heather and I started the year in Florida visiting my family. Besides the sunshine and warmth, what struck me the most was seeing my brother and sister actively growing in their own ways – Moses with his art, Mimi with her yoga studio, and me with my financial life coaching. Three different paths, same direction: becoming better humans.

This year our oldest, Amy, and her husband Jacob bought their first home in the 100 Mile House area. You always hear that home ownership is impossible for young people these days, but they disproved that narrative! They found a place that checked all their boxes – even though the A-frame design wasn’t what they had envisioned for their home – and they did it without financial help from family. Jacob’s a youth pastor and Amy worked at a pharmacy before her maternity leave, so this wasn’t a high-income fairy tale. They found an opportunity and made it work.

In May, Amy gave birth to Augustina, making Heather and myself grandparents – something I’m still adjusting to. Apparently it doesn’t mean I’m old; it means I’ve accumulated enough miles and stories worth passing on. Augustina just started giggling, and that sound brings smiles to our faces!

Solomon and his wife, Carmen, celebrated their first anniversary and moved from a tiny one-bedroom into a two-bedroom apartment. Carmen is in her third year of university in Kamloops, and Solomon is working as a carpenter and enjoying the trade. They are busy and building a solid relationship with each other.

Nathaniel, our youngest, officially crossed into adulthood this year. He spent the summer working at a Bible camp, then took off on a solo road trip across Canada. Growth often comes from doing something new as well as seeing and experiencing new places, and Nathaniel learned a lot by travelling. The first trip ended in western Ontario when he had to return for a friend’s wedding. The second trip (this time with a friend) took them all the way to Halifax.

In October, Heather and I took a free cruise from San Diego to the Mexican Riviera – Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta. It was our first time in Mexico and a great reset. Even on the ship, I kept my morning routine: up early, coffee in hand, reading and writing before the crowds showed up. It was a good reminder that you can live on your own terms anywhere – even on a cruise ship.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas, and a 2026 that is even better than this year has been.

Merry Christmas,

P.S. I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below, use my contact form, or send a note to andre (at) andrebjensen.com. Even a quick line to say hi makes my day – and if you need to update my email address, here’s your chance.