Every year I get a little misty-eyed about Christmas and what it means to me. And so I get to share my feelings with friends and loved ones in the form of a little vignette captured in the form of a Christmas card.

This year’s card is a linocut of Sasi and me surrounded by our kids and grandkids. Can you spot our three pups, Napoleon, Snug and Lula? Oh! And in the distance you can see the city of Milwaukee shining its light over Lake Michigan.

There’s a parade going on in front of our house, our house that’s 100 years old this year. Lina’s helping Thalia take her first steps, Audrey’s proudly carrying a wrapped present — which she can hardly wait to open, Ben’s drumming an upbeat rhythm for the occasion and Logan’s carrying his own chocolate birthday cake. Happy birthday, Logan! And that’s Sasi and me in the middle enjoying the show.

I admit that some artistic liberties were taken in the depiction of the Christmas trees. We only have one. Everything else in this image is true to life. That’s because the magic of the season makes it so.

From our family to yours, happy holidays and merry Christmas!