Merry Christmas

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Reflections from the road, gratitude for the journey, and hope for what’s ahead

This year didn’t unfold the way we imagined.

There were routes we thought we’d be traveling, places we expected to see, and plans that felt solid at the time. Instead, the road offered detours — some literal, some deeply personal. There were breakdowns, long pauses, and moments where the journey slowed to a crawl, forcing us to sit with uncertainty longer than we would have liked.

But that pause came with perspective.

Some of the most meaningful lessons this year didn’t come from miles traveled, but from stillness. From waiting rooms and quiet nights parked somewhere unfamiliar. From moments that asked us to let go of expectations and focus on what truly mattered.

And what mattered most was people.

This journey is often framed by landscapes and highways, but it’s sustained by community. Your messages. Your encouragement. Your kindness. Your willingness to stick with us even when the road got rough. You reminded us that we’re not doing this alone — and that reminder carried us through more than you know.

Christmas has a way of softening the edges of a hard year. It invites reflection, gratitude, and hope — not the loud kind, but the steady kind that keeps you moving forward even when the path isn’t clear.

Today, we’re grateful. For lessons learned. For resilience built slowly over time. For the chance to keep going.

As we look ahead, we do so with optimism. There are smoother roads waiting. New stories to tell. Sunrises we haven’t seen yet. And a renewed sense of purpose guiding the journey forward.

From our little rolling home to wherever you are today — thank you for being part of this road with us.

Wishing you peace, warmth, and a very Merry Christmas.

~ Brian & Ruby, Open Road Nomad.

 
 

Ruby and I are grateful for you — truly.

Every person who reads, follows, and supports this journey helps keep us moving, even on the days when the road feels heavy. Thank you for being here, for believing in us, and for giving this adventure meaning.

If you’d like to support our travels directly, consider becoming a member. Memberships help keep us on the road, fed, groomed, and steady through the unexpected. If membership isn’t your thing, you can also support us through Venmo or by shopping through our affiliate links — everyday purchases that give us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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Brian Gailey

Hi, I’m Brian! For the past three years, I’ve been living nomadically in my van and motorhome. Live is ever growing now with 20+ years of travel experience. I’m passionate about creating a life worth celebrating and sharing my adventures through stories that inspire and entertain. Join me as we explore the idea that life is all about collecting experiences, not things!

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