Dear John,

If you’ve received my emails for some time, you already know that each year, we celebrate with a family photo in matching Christmas pajamas. It’s not a particularly unique family tradition, but it’s one that means a great deal to me because of how it started for us.

In December 2010, we were living overseas and set to travel home for the holidays. I was pregnant with our second daughter and over the moon excited to get back to the U.S. and spend the holidays with family. Three days before our departure, my doctor advised that because of complications with my pregnancy, I could not travel.

In the bigger picture, the disappointment and more importantly, the worry related to my pregnancy were small and ones we gratefully got past quickly. But as we hunkered down, overseas for our Christmas celebration, I found simple joy in cozy matching pajamas and posing for silly family photos to send back home.

This year has been challenging and heartbreaking for many, and I wish everyone a little bit of simple joy wherever you may find it.

Fondly and with best wishes for a safe holiday,
Abigail