During the rush of the holiday season, Ariel Winter, known for her role as Alex Dunphy on Modern Family, took the time to write a special message on her personal Instagram account, along with a collage of pictures of her family.

“Merry Christmas ?? The Grays! I would just like to say… I am so lucky to be a part of this amazing family,” Winter wrote. “It’s been about a year and a half and at the same time, been the best year and a half of my life. I love them more than I could ever describe and they’ve shown me more love than I ever thought was possible. They’ve each given me something incredible to carry with me for the rest of my life. They’ve taught me how to love unconditionally, how to give, how to forgive, how to find strength, how to comfort others, how to love myself, and how to be a young woman.”

“My sister is my best friend and one day I can only pray to have a family like the one she has created,” she admitted. “I hope to be even half of the incredible person she is. She’s done so many amazing things with her life and I will always look up to my big sister. I can’t thank them enough and hopefully one day I can do something to show them how grateful I am.”

“My nieces are the lights of my life, my sister is my better half, and my brother in law has been the best father figure you could ever ask for,” Winter continued. “He’s the best dad and I couldn’t be happier we all have him. Thank you for all you’ve done for me guys, and for always being there. I’ll be here for anything, anytime, forever (we also live together…so just knock on my door anytime). I love you with all my heart. So here’s to the rest of my life with my spectacular family! Merry Christmas everyone. Please be thankful for the amazing people and things you have in your life this year. I know I am. ???? @shanelle_gray @davidbarrygray.”

Winter has been in the center of a bitter custody battle for the past two years. Shanelle Gray, Winter’s older sister, gained custody of Winter a year and a half ago, and remains her legal guardian, after the court stripped Winter’s mother of all custodial rights due to alleged emotional abuse.

Image via Wikimedia Commons