We’ve never composed a Christmas Card, it just hasn’t been our thing. But I’ve always thought a good way to create one would be to write it throughout the year to better capture all the highlights.

I similarly keep a note on my phone titled “Our Year Together” to record all the joyous memories over each of the twelve months. They can be simple things like dinner and dice with the folks, or birthday parties or baseball games. A few times each year, and always at the end, we review the wonderful experiences. It keeps us centered and grateful.

This portable time machine can work wonders on your psychology. There is always something to be grateful for. And life is better when we’re grateful. Because it really is beautiful.