Advent and the Christmas season have long been meaningful for Amanda Andrews, who said she felt a God-driven call to share joy with neighbors who might not be able to experience it firsthand.

“Advent is my favorite season, and the Christmas season that follows, too,” she said. “The music, the lights, the joy — everything! I felt a pull on my heart that was totally God-driven, calling us to share that joy with those who couldn’t access it as easily.”

The couple noticed that some neighbors, particularly older residents and those with health challenges, were unable to get out and enjoy community events.

“We have some neighbors who are unable to get out and about, and I simply wanted to find a way to love them during this season,” she said, noting the project is also a way to encourage service in their children.

William Andrews practices 'Silent Night' on the violin so he is ready to accompany the carolers. (Photo by Amanda Andrews)

Amanda, who home schools her eldest child and runs a home-based business focused on serving others, has reached out to choirs and other homeschooling families to join the effort. She envisions groups of singers traveling from house to house, offering three carols at each stop and leaving behind a small holiday treat bag.

Their eldest son, William, has already contributed by baking treats for BENCHS, (Blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society) in Mankato, earlier this fall and assembling ornaments for the holiday treat bags.

Dr Tom Andrews, director of sacred music at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, is planning the musical selections and will direct volunteer singers.

Amanda is coordinating logistics, including outreach and the preparation of holiday treat bags. Together, they hope to create a simple but meaningful experience that blends music with acts of kindness.

Privacy is a priority for the Andrews family.

Dr. Tom Andrews directing the Handmaids of the Heart of Jesus at The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. (Photo submitted)

“The list/map will not be made public,” Amanda Andrews said. “We don’t need names of those at the addresses to preserve confidentiality. Just the address is needed.”

The caroling date is tentatively set for the evening of Dec. 20. Leading up to the event, the family is asking community members to submit addresses of residents who might welcome a visit.

They have created a Google Form and an email account specifically for the project, and interest has already been strong.

“We have had a good response via social media so far, but we would love to reach more,” she said.

The Andrews hope the project conveys a message of love and care for others in the community.

William Andrews assembles handmade Christmas ornaments that will be included in the caroling goodie bags.

“In busy seasons of life, it can be easy to forget about the corporal works of mercy, but we are all called to be God’s hands and feet,” Amanda Andrews said. “We hope this will inspire others to do those little acts of kindness in our community — not just during this season, but throughout the year.”

Music has long been central to the couple’s lives. Amanda recalled caroling as a young girl, while Tom’s role in sacred music continues to shape their family’s faith and service.

“This just seemed like a natural way to not only encourage that in our children, but to also be a model of service for them as well,” she said.

The family believes the caroling project could grow into a tradition for New Ulm. By combining Tom’s musical vocation with his wife’s dedication to service, they hope to inspire others to see music as a form of ministry and community care.

William Andrews, the family’s eldest son, helps prepare homemade treats for Blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society (BENCHS).