Good morning!

We hope you’re receiving our 2025 Walk with a Doc Holiday Newsletter in good health.

Here in Walkland, it’s a beautiful morning. We’re gathered around the fireplace, toasty and smiling. Bryan and Rachael are sharing a laugh, recalling a favorite memory. Our hearts are full, and we are deeply grateful for how fortunate we’ve been. All thanks to you.

There is a large mound of big, warm cut-out cookies decorated for the holidays, all surrounded by tall glasses of cold milk. In just a moment, we’ll hear from Walter, an accomplished baritone and a devoted volunteer in our mailroom, who is preparing to address the team in what has become a cherished Walk with a Doc tradition. The room is packed yet comfortable.

Walter’s voice is remarkable, immediately putting everyone at ease.

“Thank you, Walter. Whenever you’re ready.”

“You sure you’re done, David?”

(awkward pause)

“Even a little more long-winded this morning than usual, aren’t we, Dr. Walkman?”

(slightly less awkward pause)

Walter turns to face our family.

Poised in front of the crackling hearth, he clears his throat and surveys the room with calm confidence. His words are measured and resonant.

“Good morning, everyone. Many of you are familiar with Chris Van Allsburg’s The Polar Express. For those who are new to the story, a young boy, Billy, is magically transported by train to the North Pole, where Santa and the elves are preparing to give the first gift of Christmas.

Billy is offered anything in the world, yet he chooses something simple, a silver bell from Santa’s sleigh. Santa nods, cuts the bell from a reindeer’s harness, and hands it to him. Billy tucks it into his bathrobe pocket as the sleigh rises into the midnight sky.

On the way home, Billy discovers the bell has fallen through a hole in his pocket. Heartbroken, he returns home empty-handed.

The next morning, beneath the tree, Billy’s sister finds a small box with his name on it. Inside is the silver bell. Billy and his sister can hear its beautiful sound, but their parents cannot.

Billy continues to believe in the spirit of Christmas, and because of that belief, he can hear the bell even as an adult.

To us, you are the child who asked for the silver bell.

You understand that the life we dream of is right in front of us, if we’re willing to look and listen. You have a special awareness of the nearly miraculous benefits of something as simple as going for a walk.

That awareness is the silver bell. And it’s why we’re so proud to have you as an ambassador of the Walk with a Doc family.”

Walter bows his head, gently closes the book, and quietly steps away from the fireplace.

Twenty years ago, we began coming together for these walks. We believed we could connect, get healthier, learn something, and make it easier for others to do the same. Today, our family includes 664 chapters, and together we continue to grow.

Yes, in doing so, we’re reducing heart disease, fighting cancer, lowering our blood pressure, improving blood sugars, and so much more. But of equal importance, we’re happy. We are deeply grateful to you. Thank you for being part of this family.

Our very best wishes to you this holiday season. We can’t wait to continue the journey with you in 2026.

David, Rachael, and Bryan