How to Compose a Christmas or New Year's Letter

A simple, newsy letter written to distant friends and relatives is a gift they will cherish this time of year. It is a great way to keep in touch!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer and printer, or if you are old-school, stationery and pen
• Your personal agenda or calendar
• List of addresses for family and friends
• Envelopes and stamps

1. Look through your agenda/calendar and make a list of important events that occurred during the year that you want to mention in your letter. These may include weddings, births, graduations, vacations, moves, etc.
2. Write the opening paragraph. It should include a warm greeting appropriate for the season, and something to arrest the readers' interest, such as an exciting or amusing statement that characterizes the past year.
3. Write the body of the letter, organizing your thoughts chronologically. If the readers live far away and have infrequent contact with you, it will be interesting to them to "experience" the highlights of your year, as they occurred to you. Try to keep it light when it comes to bad news, and focus on the positive things.
4. In the closing paragraph, share your well-wishes for them. Be sure to mention it if any of your personal contact information, such as your address, phone number, or email address, have changed.
5. Ask someone to proofread the letter for you, to make sure it flows logically and does not contain grammatical or spelling errors. When the letter meets your satisfaction, make copies. Color is nice, and you may want to make a few more copies than names on your list, in case you think of some others to include.
6. Check over your list of names & addresses. If you think some of the information may be outdated, it may help to look up the names on whitepages.com before you address the envelopes.
7. Fold your letters and slide into the envelopes. Affix appropriate postage stamps, and mail! The USPS suggests that you mail your letters by December 20 to get them to their destination before the holiday.

Tips & Warnings

• Throughout the year, keep an address book with updated information on your friends and loved ones. Every time you receive a wedding announcement, make note of any changes of address/name. When you receive a birth announcement, add the baby's name to the family. It's easier to update as you become aware of new information, than to wait until letter-writing time!