The Holiday Letter

An annual iconic tradition in the making

Dear friends, family, and semi-bewildered onlookers,

For us, 2022 was about…(Do I really have to write something?)

Well, transition. Isn’t every year, one might say, transitional? New year, new you and all that garbage? Yes, but Twenty-two had a special embossed gold transitional seal in the top left corner.

It’s not just about definitely getting a year older. For everyone. That goes without saying. The Farmer’s Almanac has been long supplanted by your Facebook feed, the mismanaged agonies of Twitter, and the occasional buzzy jolt cola of questionable TikTok. That’s settled.

But still, next year, Twenty-three, will be something. The twins will be turning 18 and graduating from high school if you can believe it. We know it’s coming as sure as sunrise and sunset (don’t mention Sunrise, Sunset, please, or Closure), but we can’t quite grasp it ourselves, yet. It’s not quite there but we know it’s coming, graceful, wistful, and elegiac as an onrushing express train about to smash into the sign that says TRACK ENDS ¼ MILE AHEAD. Not tragic-wistful, we shouldn’t complain, just normal-time-passing wistful, grateful-that-nothing-bad-really-happened, a-lot-of-people-have-it-worse wistful. Just growth and change along its natural course. There, in the distance, is heard the rumble of Changes Afoot in the fourth race, slouching towards Unincorporated Northwest Austin to be born.

A trip to the Netherlands and Slovenia in May and June was a definite highlight of the year. We reconnected with old friends in both countries, ventured somewhat afield from Amsterdam and Ljubljana, wandered through a few museums. For Wes the return to Slovenia (where he lived from 1996 through 2001) was a homecoming to a second home both constant and changed; for Luka it was his first venture into Euroland; for Laura it was a chance to do some serious exploring.

Both of our high school seniors are excelling in school. We are all fully occupied and thriving in life. The dog and cats are fine.

Next year will be something else. We wish the best for you as well; may all your changes be most welcome ones.

Love,

All of us including the pets

[Adapted from the actual holiday newsletter now in the mail]