2022 Christmas Letter

Dearest Family and Friends,

Merry Christmas! It is hard for me to believe that the time has come to review the year–in my annual letter to you–but, here we are. Admittedly, the holidays used to give me a lot of anxiety: so many things to fit in, gifts to buy, parties to attend, things to decorate, cookies to bake, money to spend, people to please. My enneagram 2 “helper” personality was constantly in overdrive, and I was always one ugly-sweater-party away from an emotional and mental break-down. (How’s that for an opener?)

But, as each year passes – seemingly more quickly than the one before it – I have found that I have grown more fond of this season; even anticipating it with excitement and joy! Maybe it’s because my kids are getting older and even though I love watching them become the humans they are, it does make a mother’s heart sad to see the time pass so quickly.

Or maybe it’s because, in my elder-millennial, sage wisdom, I’ve learned to set realistic boundaries and expect less of myself and others this time of year. Or perhaps it’s because I’ve realized Christmas doesn’t come with ribbons and tags, it doesn’t come in packages, boxes or bags. Christmas doesn’t come from a store … Christmas means SO. MUCH. MORE. Perhaps it’s because my heart has grown 3 sizes since then – since the time I was a self-proclaimed “Grinch” during the holidays.

All kidding, and Dr. Suess aside, I truly owe this wonder to God – for constantly chasing my heart, year after year, gently reminding me the reason for this season. And thankfully, for all of us, God’s grace is not confined to the Christmas season, nor to any other Christian holiday for that matter. God’s grace is for everyone, always. Sometimes we get so caught up in life that we can’t see the little glimpses of God’s grace that happen in the mundane. As I sit here to reflect on the season and share some of the moments from our year, I’m reminded that in the past my heart was hardened to this season for the myriad of reasons I listed above. But slowly, thanks to a graceful, loving God, I am writing to you with a full heart, and joyful anticipation of the upcoming celebrations. In 2020, I chronicled all the ways God blessed us in the midst of the pandemic and all the crazy it brought. Last year, I recapped a pretty standard year for our family: nothing huge to report. And this year, I’m writing to you as a fully-reformed Grinch! God is good, all the time, and He wastes nothing.

2022 began like any other in Wisconsin: cold and miserable. In March, I became an auntie for the 17th time and am honored to be called sweet little Maxx’s Godmother. In May, we celebrated Elle’s 9th trip around the sun with not one, but two fabulous parties. Then, glorious summer joined us and we made the absolute most of it! Beach days, and summer camps filled our weeks. We did take the RV out for one fun weekend of camping with friends. Jack attended Phantom Ranch Bible Camp again this year, and Elle is looking forward to next year when she, too, will officially become a camper! In August, we became the parents of a TEENAGER (what!?$%#!?) when Jack turned 13 - celebrating with our annual pool party!

And as summer faded away, school supplies entered the scene once again, and Jack started 8th Grade at New Berlin West, and Elle became a 4th Grader at Ronald Reagan Elementary. Jack will continue to work with the NBW Robotics team this year, and Elle will keep us busy on the weekends with her NBW basketball games and tournaments! Donny wrapped up another successful season of landscaping. Due to an employee shortage, I got in on the leaf-removal fun and he even let me drive a lawnmower!

Earlier in the year, we made a decision to get back out on the road for a long-term trip in our RV. We planned and planned all summer long and finally the time is upon us to embark on another cross-country road trip to our favorite state, the land of flowers! We will call Florida home for 6 glorious weeks and WE. CANNOT. WAIT. Well, actually, we couldn’t wait, so if you’re reading this letter sometime in December, it’s because I mailed it from the road. Chances are, we are basking in the warm Floridian sun right now, or kayaking in a spring, hiking through a forest of palms, or paddle boarding with dolphins. It’s magical!

The kids are keeping up with their schoolwork that they’re missing and we are spending our days exploring, swimming, hiking and biking. We will head back home sometime around December 27 and celebrate Christmas with our families then. I am sincerely looking forward to a quaint family Christmas (probably on a beach somewhere) with just the 4 of us - and Lola, too! We will go to church, have a nice dinner, open presents and celebrate together, remembering that first Christmas, when Love came down. God’s love lavished on us, in the form of a baby: His son, Jesus. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” (Luke 2:14)

In a world that seems to be getting crazier by the minute, it is my sincere hope that you can find peace in your hearts and homes this Christmas season. We are praying for all of our family and friends, far and wide, to know the hope that can only be found in Jesus. That you’ll remember the reason for this season, right now and all year long: not the ribbons and tags, packages, boxes, or bags. No, the reason for the season doesn’t come from a store, it came from heaven’s door. From heaven to earth, then earth to the cross, God’s greatest gift of all was sent to us on a silent night, 2022 years ago. And that is absolutely a reason to celebrate.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year - All Our Love,

The Spielmans: Donny, Angela, Jack, Elle, and Lola