I love to receive beautiful Christmas cards in the mail each year. They tell a story of a family from that year. The high points celebrated. The whimsical pictures of color that tell others to have a Merry Christmas or Happy Holiday that year.

Getting that perfect picture or series of pictures for the Christmas card can be magical. Snap a great family photo in the summer and someone instantly will say, “Oh, that’s got to be your Christmas card this year.” We’ve all heard it.

Then we got 2020. The year two-thousand and twenty. The year of all years. It stunk. I don’t think I blew dry my hair more than five times post March 16, 2020. Rarely did I get out of yoga pants.

If you are reading this blog… congratulations! YOU are a recipient of my family Christmas card for 2020.

I asked my kids to tell me a few things they were proud of and enjoyed this year. How would we look back on 2020? We are searching for the bright spots.

In no order, here’s #TheGraytLife recap of 2020:

• Family – We got to spend an incredible time with those we love.
• FFA – Warren became an Officer of his high school FFA Chapter.
• Masks – We wore masks. Masks that were handmade and smelled like Nonnie.
• Moved – We helped downsize and move out of my childhood home. #GoodbyeGrahamDrive

• Snacks – Family nights getting slushies at Pelicans.
• Volunteering – Hanging out with friends during Upward.
• Pappers – Spending lots of time close to Pappers during his last days with us on earth.
• Beach – Relaxing at the beach and swimming with Hugo.
• Golf – Warren made the Varsity Golf team at school. He played lots of golf this year.

Tanner

• I got a mullet.
• Caught a big catfish (not a bass)
• Went to a real Hog Farm
• Rode my 4-wheeler countless hours

Warren

• Played lots of golf
• Got his Driving Learners Permit
• Dealt with online school with a little grace

• The Dumpster – It’s an “inside Joke”, but had to be a part of the Christmas Blog Card
• Nana – She is 96 years old and feisty as ever.
• Food – We ate so much food!
• Carrie earned her Masters degree in Strategic Communications from Purdue University

• Love – We learned how to love more and be kind to each other. We learned about hard work and the value of having a family that always has your back.

• Puppies – They provided a perfect and needed distraction from this year.
• Santa Claus – We believe in the magic of Santa and they humor me with the annual picture.

• Turkey Shoot – The Gray boys will never come home empty handed.

• Cabbage Key – Perfect summer getaway
• Endless summer nights
• Carrie got to be the “Fruitcake on the Radio” on Radio Margaritaville.

Merry Christmas ~ Much Love, Hope & Joy from #TheGraytLife ~ Jason, Carrie, Warren, Tanner, Ellie, Cadie, Brixx, Governor & 9 puppies!