Andrew Peterson Reflects on His Annual Christmas Tour
Andrew Peterson, known for his beloved hymns and worship songs, has a special connection to singing about Jesus during the Christmas season. This year, he’s set to kick off a Christmas tour, an annual tradition he truly cherishes. He finds comfort in the experience, noting, “Every night has its own memories.” In a recent conversation with Crosswalk/Salem Media, Peterson shared insights about the tour and what it means to him personally.
Q: This is your 27th year doing this tour. Why do you enjoy it so much?
Andrew Peterson: If I skipped it one year, I honestly don’t think my body would recognize December. It’s become part of my yearly rhythm. I’m not sure how long I’ll keep doing it, but I plan to continue every December until something changes.
Q: How does touring feel for you?
AP: There have been times when I got home and was sick just before Christmas, and other times it was really tough. But there’s a bright side to it. This tour has been a huge blessing for our family. We all play music together in the band, and we truly enjoy that time. We even joked about how surprisingly nice everyone on the tour is. It’s a lovely group who genuinely care for each other.
Q: What’s the Holy Spirit doing in you as you sing nightly?
AP: It keeps my heart alive—each night feels different. We’re aware that we’ve performed these songs thousands of times, yet I still get emotional almost every night. I sometimes wonder if this will be the year I don’t feel that deep connection when I walk on stage. It’s like an out-of-body experience where I’m both playing and observing.
Q: What do you find joy in right now?
AP: I appreciate things beyond singing too. Just before the show, I enjoy the beat of the drums and the playful banter with the band. I might lose myself in the verses of a song while still feeling that sense of submission, repeating the familiar story. When I was younger, our song leaders would say, “You have to mean this,” and encourage us to really dig deep. But, honestly, I just show up.
Q: You juggle writing, producing, and more. How do you manage it all?
AP: I often feel like I’m just hanging on, navigating the weeds of life, and honestly, it can be tough to just be human. I spend a lot of time trying to align everything perfectly, but let’s be real—it’s probably not achievable. I’m getting better at it, though, learning to say no to things. So, I wouldn’t say I have a rhythm; I just pivot to whatever is most urgent next.
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