How to Write a Family Christmas Letter
It is a time-honored tradition to send out a family Christmas letter. Many family Christmas letters end up being non-stop brag fests that are fairly boring to read, as well as to write. Learn how to write a warm, welcoming and festive family Christmas letter that will keep readers hungry for more.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Family photos
- Address labels or stamp
- Red or green pens
- Computer printer
- Computer
- Holiday stationary
Instructions
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Make a list of the highlights for the family's year. Highlights could include vacations, home renovations, births, weddings and other happy news.
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Ask each family member for a list of five things they would like to share about themselves in this year's family Christmas letter. You may be surprised by what they choose, but their choices will add real personality to your letter.
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Think first of your audience for this letter. Determine if it will be going to people who haven't seen you in months and live far away, or if it is going to your loved ones that live close by.
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Start your family Christmas letter with a festive greeting, wishing people Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays. Create a greeting that suits your family's own style.
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Add a photograph that shows your family's personality and originality. A casual shot a vacation photo is probably going to be best.
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Include quotes from family members to make your letter sound conversational. Keep quotes short and to the point.
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Fill your letter with warm wishes for those you are sending it to. This letter is meant to be a virtual holiday visit, not some type of resume for your family.
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Print your holiday letter from your computer. Address and stamp the envelopes and place your letter inside. Use return address labels or a return address stamp. Attach holiday postage stamps and put your letters in the mailbox.
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Tips & Warnings
If this has not been a happy year for your family, focus on some things that have been positive and talk gently about your challenging times. If there is something that people can do to help your family, consider mentioning it in the letter.
Use a font that is easy to read like Arial or Times New Roman. Fancier calligraphy fonts look pretty, but they are hard on the eyes and people will miss your family news.
Mail your letter early in the season so people have a chance to respond with their own. Often sending a letter can prompt telephone calls or a holiday card.
Include a handwritten note using red or green pens on each copy of the family Christmas letter, even if it is just a cheery Christmas greeting.
Resources
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Comments
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lizm936
Nov 30, 2008
I like the idea of a family Christmas letter, it helps when there are many people that only get news once a year. Trying to write each a personal note is fine, but there is more information wanting to be shared. Write a nice note but include a news letter. -
lizm936
Nov 30, 2008
I like the idea of a family Christmas letter, it helps when there are many people that only get news once a year. Trying to write each a personal note is fine, but there is more information wanting to be shared. Write a nice note but include a news letter.
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Douglas
May 04, 2008
I like the idea of a Christmas letter, but the use of a computer to issue multiple letters with short hand-written notes tucked inside. Seems, sorta business-like. I imagine there are those who have large families and hand writting cards would be time consuming. Still tho, Christmas is special so mass producing heart felt greetings seems less than is called for.
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Douglas
May 04, 2008
I like the idea of a Christmas letter, but the use of a computer to issue multiple letters with short hand-written notes tucked inside. Seems, sorta business-like. I imagine there are those who have large families and hand writting cards would be time consuming. Still tho, Christmas is special so mass producing heart felt greetings seems less than is called for.
