2025 Christmas Letter

 

December 1, 2025

 

Dear friends and family both near and far,

With December comes the time to, even in a small way, reconnect. And so, I sit at the keyboard, not an uncommon occurrence, and try my best to stitch together a few words about the year Jackie and I have had. Looking back, I recognize as winter’s go, the winter months of 2025 were not hard. There were cold days, but little snow to make life complicated. Honestly, we have had almost as much snow this November as the entirety of last winter. Snow can be pretty, but it no longer has the appeal it had when I was thirteen.

Our first out and away was when we took a day trip to Shipshewana, Indiana in early March. Going to Shipshewana is a fun time. We have gone enough to have our favorite shops and restaurant. And let’s not forget stopping for a Ben’s Pretzel before we leave.

The months that followed had us taking care of things around home, and sweating the final details of my fourth book. Seems impossible, doesn’t it, that with When Light Comes Unexpected, that I have published four novels.

But with June, Jackie and I found a bit of time to head west. Going to Denver is a commitment of its own, especially by auto. We gave ourselves three days each way, which took some stress off the drive. Another thing we did differently was take a more southernly route. You see I have never been in Kansas and my books are set in that state, and I thought it wise to see the “Sunflower State” for myself.

There was another reason to cross Kansas, it was to visit a particular store. Because of her heritage, Jackie had, over the years ordered Swedish things from Hemslojd Gift Shop, downtown Lindsborg, Kansas, and I bent the route to include a stop there. Lindsborg is a small town that is extremely proud of its Swedish heritage. A fun place with a multitude of Dala Horses, each in front of one of the downtown shops and restaurants.

The view from Pikes Peak the moment
 before the snow fell

After we arrived in Colorado, our first adventure was a drive to the top of Pikes Peak. Actually, the parking lot is a few feet short of the absolute summit. The road is nineteen miles of curves that snake up the mountain. The only downside was the snow that began falling almost the instant we stepped out of our vehicle. The weather did not cause any difficulty in getting around, but it sopped in what would have been incredible views. Bummer. Then there is the altitude, 14,115’. I can no longer say that I have never had a problem with altitude, because that day I did. But a bit of rest and something to drink, and I recovered sufficiently for the drive down.

The views in Colorado are 

The following day, we visited Jackie’s aunt. A remarkable lady that resides in Loveland. Then we took the twisty road to Estes Park. Estes Park is a neat place right at the gate of Rocky Mountain National Park. Perhaps next time we will schedule time to visit that park.

We were able to get together with Nick on a couple evenings. The energy in the city of Arvada is incredible. No wonder it is the place Nick calls home.

We enjoyed the trip west, but we were glad to come home safely. The remainder of the summer kept us hopping with activities and responsibilities around home. With a new book added to the summer obligations too, but that’s part of the fun.

Home maintenance of various types kept us close to home this fall. But we did have a couple day escapes. Off to Shipshewana again, and a rainy windy day up to St. Joseph, MI, another of our favorite places. That pretty much describes our year’s activities.

Now for a few specifics: Jackie officially retired in January, and is adjusting to the change, being able to take care of some of the things she couldn’t while she worked. I am still recovering from my knee replacements. That means a fairly serious exercise regimen. My workout generally runs from an hour to an hour and half. That’s serious bite of my day, but it is becoming part of our new normal. As I mentioned earlier, I released a book, but that means work has begun on the next.

As I said before, Nick is happily settled in the Denver area. The golfer he is, sank a hole in one last summer. He continues to work as an engineer in the medical field.

That pretty well covers our 2025. It is our hope that the year has been a good one for you as well, that as you prepare for Christmas, you take time to dwell on the season’s meaning. For we celebrate the birth of God’s Son, and what a wonderful gift, Christ is.

Wishing you a season of joy and light, and a time of love shared with you and those that matter most.  

 

The Vander Veldens