Aside from singing and snacking and decorating, the holidays also bring about a lot of family time, which in turn brings forward a lot of questions. Most commonly: So have you been? Or its fraternal twin: What have you been up to? And while I can’t provide a blanket, bulletproof answer for you, I do have a few ideas for a specific handful of individuals.

See, my peeps have had a pretty good year. They’ve done some great things. They’ve shattered some of their personal glass ceilings, and I’d like them remind them how incredible they are, both for their benefit and for that of their inquiring family members this holiday season.

Spoiler Alert: this is basically just a mush fest of me bragging about my friends. Sorry, not sorry.

1) Alleeson (it’s actually “Allison” but I spell it Alleeson for important Kimberlee double-e solidarity type reasons)

I don’t know if you know this, but this year marked our 10^th year of friendship! So first off, let me start by saying, happy anniversary! Secondly, let’s talk about the fact that you finished school, applied for your dream job, got it, and then moved, on your own, to a brand new state to pursue it. I mean…can we get a round of applause for this girl?! Your drive is truly inspiring and I’m so proud of you.

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2) Cory

Speaking of dream jobs, can we talk about this guy who, no matter how crazy hard the process of getting there was, walked across not one, but two stages this year and is now kicking ass in his new career?! I salute you and love you and miss stealing donuts from the lumberyard with you at work.

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3) Amanda

You know how after the Super Bowl they ask the MVP what he’s going to do next and he says, “I’m going to Disneyland!” Well you see, Amanda interned at Disney World, no doubt making it all the more delightful, no, more magical for any MVP who may have decided to stop by. Dear Disney, please take this as my official letter of recommendation, as it would be in your best interest to keep her mind for your future endeavors. Sincerely, Kim

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4) Spenser & Ashlynn

Oh hey NEWLYWEDS. (Which by the way, according to Google, I can call you that for two full years, and I plan to.) I was so honored to be a part of your big day this year and am even more excited to be a part of your big…lives? Yeah, that didn’t sound weird. How about we just stick to congratulations and a hashtag that goes something like: #keepkickingassin2017 because you guys already know you ruled 2016, what with starting your careers and helping me beat the original Mario Party.

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5) Lyndi & Chris

These two recently participated in the Santa Clarita Marathon Series, each of them taking home a medal: Lyndi for the 5k and Chris for the marathon and I can’t begin to express my high fives! It’s such a huge accomplishment to finish any race and I know that both of your trained hard to kick your respective race’s butt in a big way! I hope you are both as proud of yourselves as I am of you. (Insert 100 muscle emojis here)

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6) Maddox

Call this one cheesy if you want, but there’s no doubting this little guy is my BFF and I refuse not celebrate the fact that he started kindergarten this year. Here’s toast of Coke and Fruit Snacks to you buddy.

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7) Taryn

Speaking of school milestones, this (not so little) nugget started college this year and I couldn’t be more excited for you! Commence my constant stalking of you on social media and occasionally sending you memes and quotes from High School Musical songs so you don’t forget about me.

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8) Kristine

Coming full circle on the school milestones, my little Teeny graduated from college this fall! She also moved out of my place and into her own place this year, which makes my face sad, though upon seeing her thrive I can’t help but make my face glad again. Speaking (a little too much) about faces, please never stop sending me Snapchats of yours.

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9) Natalee

In case you missed it, my sister Natalee and I went to Ireland this year. And while yes, that sound like I’m just bragging (and in a way I guess I am) I also want to bring up the significance of this trip. Have you ever had a dream vacation you wanted to take? I’m talking something you’ve thought about for years and years and years, but you always let life get in the way and never take it? Well Natalee gave procrastination the finger this year and made her dreams come true and it was an honor to be included.

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10) Thomas

When I wrote this letter back in April, I had no idea what the road of recovery held for you. But as I’ve watched you continue to persevere through every obstacle that’s been thrown at you, I’ve been overwhelmed with inspiration. You are truly a warrior and the world is yours to conquer.

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11) Emily, Jake, Julia, & (another awesome) Allison

It wouldn’t be write (great pun, you’ll see why in a second) not to include this bunch because they are my brethren. My blogging brethren that is, not to mention they’re just good people. I know how hard it is to put out meaningful content and these guys find way to do it without trying to harness metaphors out of Baked Cheetos. It’s incredible. Go check them out!

Emily (for all things sports & exercise): http://www.emilyparkerson.com/

Jake (for all things financial): http://jacobdahlstrum.com/

Allison (for all things dating, ranting & Sue): http://allisonarnone.com/

Julia (for all things hilarious & unfiltered): https://imwritingsolo.me/

Congrats on a successful year guys, even through all the muck, you still made 2016 look good. Here’s to an even better 2017.

Miss a List-cember post? Find them all here.