You see, over the years I have realized I simply cannot compete with these superstar families. Yet, with each holiday post I receive from them, I still feel thrilled just to be included on their mailing list. To be honest, I am truly happy for their outstanding accomplishments, even though, by comparison, it makes me look like that kid who stuck his tongue to the pole in A Christmas Story. Happily, I’m OK with that. I know the truth; the simple, wonderfully un-remarkable details of my family that make me fiercely proud 365 days a year.

Even though I won’t send out an epistle, I will shoot off a holiday picture. I sure hope it looks good. If it does, then I’m off the hook for not personally saving a rainforest or hand feeding beached, baby whales. The recipient will have to see how happy we are and feel glad we thought of them. But next year, watch out! My boys may just be old enough to change the world, become astronauts, or learn how to fly. If that happens, I’ll be sure to write it all down and send it to you, in a five-page Christmas letter, with a festive sticker sealing the envelope.