Every year I write a Christmas letter that accompanies our Christmas card. It was suggested by a couple of people that I share this year's letter with all of you. So, here it goes...

Season’s Greetings from the Winicks!
We hope you all are having a wonderful Christmas season!
I was recently jotting down some Christmas letter ideas when Mark asked me to help with the Christmas tree. He apologized for interrupting my creative process, but he had no reason to apologize. He’d actually given me a wonderful idea:

HOW CHILDREN ARE LIKE CHRISTMAS TREES:
1. They come in all shapes and sizes and all are beautiful in their own way.
2. They leave a mess everywhere; but when they’re gone the house feels empty.
3. Some people have one, others have a house full, while a third group don’t have any and are content to just enjoy other people’s every now and then.
4. They’re expensive!
5. Some folks like theirs all natural, others like to cover theirs in only the finest materials, while many are just happy that they remembered to water theirs today.
6. Never, ever compare yours to others! Everything may look shiny & perfect from the street; but everyone has bare spots and burn-outs to deal with, just like you.
7. …But it’s not just a one-time cost – the upkeep and updates are what really get ya!
8. Even if you have years of experience, there’s always something new to learn, new techniques to try, new ways to look at things.
9. They may drive you crazy at times; but they bring such joy and are so lovely, you can’t stay mad for long.
10. …And don’t get me started on the cost of all those new gadgets! Best to keep it simple and maybe unplug yours once in a while.
11. Their arrival is a cause for celebration, but their removal is not quite as festive. That’s why some folks decide to keep theirs around forever.
12. I don’t know about you, but I could sit and stare at mine all day. Breathtaking.

One difference: One is the perfect example of the hope, love, peace and beauty of Christmas. The other is a tree.

We hope you find the beauty of Christmas where ever life takes you this season and in the year to come.