The Christmas Newsletter

Whether you love it or hate it, the annual Christmas newsletter has become a time-honored tradition for many families. However many of these letters turn into a three page brag fest and can be quite boring to read. But with only a few simple instructions your holiday newsletter can be warm, festive, and fun for others to read.

1.      Gather your supplies: A simple but elegant holiday stationary, copies of one family photo, red or green ink pens, holiday address labels, a computer and computer printer.

2.      Family highlights: You can’t tell everyone about your entire year in one letter so make a list of all the highlights: vacations, births, weddings, special birthdays or anniversaries and other happy news. Note: If it has been a bad year for your family try to write about the positive aspects and gently touch on the challenging ones.

3.       Family member input: Ask all family members what they would like to most share about their year with family and friends. Their stories will add charm and personality to your letter.

4.      Choose your target audience: Whom are you sending the letters to, family and friends far away or those closer to your family?

5.      Start writing: First chose a simple easy to read font: Arial or Times New Roman are the best choices. While fancy calligraphy is pretty, it can be hard to read. Start your letter with a happy festive greeting. Create an opening greeting that is unique to your family.

6.      Family photos: A simple group shot of your family adds originality to your letter. A casual vacation or family event shot are the best to use.

7.      The meat of the letter: Now fill your letter with those highlights of the year. Add a few short family quotes and fun things about the year. Fill your letter with warm wishes to the people you are sending it to. Remember this letter is a virtual holiday visit, not a resume on your family. Also don’t turn it into a pity party about how terrible your year has been.

8.      Out the door: Now proofread and print your letter. Use the red or green pens to address the envelopes and write a short personal message inside the Christmas Card. Now seal, add a holiday return address label and holiday stamps. Send your letters to the post and sit back and wait for your return letters from family and friends.

I hope these simple guidelines will help you write a Christmas newsletter which will be enjoyed by all who receive it. Now go forth and get out those Christmas Cards.