The 2026 Spearman Family Christmas Game

We've been doing a lot of blue-skying and white-boarding in the corporate boardroom, and we've decided to come in hot with a big pivot and innovation on the house rules for the annual Xmas game.

First bombshell: We are forgoing the Dirty Santa / White Elephant gift exchange this year.

Here's what we're doing instead

Every adult (Mike, Ashley, Kelly, Chase, Tim, Bev, and Ryan) will pony up $50 and play for the charity/non-profit of their choice.

The competition will be none other than last year's horse racing board game.

Once again, everyone will need to bring $5 worth of quarters, and we will play the ponies till there is but one champion left standing. Winner takes all … that is … the $350 pot will be donated, in their name, directly to their chosen charity/non-profit.

“What about the children?”

I hear you asking. If the kiddos want to play the horse racing game with us, they can be the wildcards. No entry fee/$50 ante for them and no charity/non-profit pick (but they will need their $5 in quarters). So, if one of them were to win the whole thing … then we move on to Sudden Victory.

“What about gifts for the children?”

I hear you asking. Bring these kiddos some gifts! It's Christmas. Of course we're bringing the kiddos some gifts … what a silly question.

“What about me and my need, as a mother, to give all my children gifts on this special day of holiday ritual and fellowship?”

I hear Bev Ann asking. That's up to you, Mama. You do you … you've earned the right to insist on showering your offspring and their ancillaries with gifts if you so choose.

“What about next year?”

Welp. The future is like a roulette wheel spinning … and next year is Bev's turn to host, so, as it was when we were but wee lads, Mama will be making the rules.