“Gratitude is an offering precious in the sight of God, and it is one that the poorest of us can make and be not poorer but richer for having made it.” ~ A.W. Tozer
Folks may scoff at the annual Christmas letter or think it a “bore” but I look upon this cozy tradition with thanksgiving in my heart. Sending and receiving these updates preserves a bit of family history and keeps our hearts connected. But sadly, busy schedules have caused many to stop sending out cards, much less newsletters. While writing and reflection requires a bit of effort, it’s time well spent if you ask me. Surely our children and family members will appreciate these yearly bits of “biography” long after we’re gone.
The writer-at-heart and family historian realizes three purposes in the Christmas letter:
1. It records a chapter in the life of the family for that year.
2. It connects friends heart-to-heart who don’t want to lose touch.
3. It’s a tangible record of how God has been faithful to us.
Even though it’s a challenge sometimes to share our family’s adventures-in-living without being too newsy, it can be done! Some rattle off amusing events in bullet fashion, but years ago I decided to make this fun. Our Christmas letter arrives with columns, headlines, and bylines, just like an old-fashioned newspaper. It’s called The Gaines Gazette. Mr. G. and I are “the editors,” of course. Instead of clip-art, we use family photos to break up the text; we share recipes, or a meaningful quote or scripture. By keeping our ‘publication’ one-page, and hitting just the year’s highlights, we tend to focus on the blessings instead of tribulations. But if that sounds like too much work, do it your own way!
Yes, maybe we write these newsletters more for our own benefit than anyone else’s. That’s okay, too. One thing is sure, each letter contains a harvest of special memories and feelings. As we reflect over the changes in our lives, we recognize the faithful hand of God, bringing us through yet another year.
Will you be writing a Christmas newsletter this year? What would you share with an old friend over coffee if you hadn’t seen her all year? How did this year make you thankful? Share it. Use your creativity to make it warm and personal.
Whether a holiday newsletter is something you do or not, I’d love to hear about your Christmas traditions!
Some Helps:
Wiki’s Write a Christmas Newsletter
Create a Christmas Newsletter w/Google Docs
Make a Christmas Newsletter Easily & Quickly
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on November 18, 2009 - 10:58 am
Vicki, Your post was great, but I must admit that I have mixed emotions about writing Christmas newsletters. I’ve had too many years with trials that consumed my family that it was not something I wanted to write about in that format. I know you said to focus on the blessings, but sometimes the hardships seem to outweigh the joys. I do experience much joy, but I’m talking about things like when I went through my horrible divorce, or family addiction trials, and job loss. I love getting newsletters, and save them, especially the ones my mom writes. As you say, it records a chapter in our family’s history (my larger family). I don’t mean to sound negative, though I guess I do. Perhaps I’ll think about it and see what blessings I can focus on this year.
on November 18, 2009 - 11:30 am
Carla, thanks for your input. I see your point and understand. For a few years I couldn’t face doing a newsletter. It’s certainly not something we have to do. But once I regained my equilibrium (and pulled out of a depression) I found I wanted to continue the tradition. It’s sometimes a real challenge. Your comment (and a couple others on facebook) might just spur another post on this topic, because so much more needs to be said. Thanks for sharing your feelings, Carla. Appreciate it!
on November 18, 2009 - 12:22 pm
This is a topic I have a love and hate relationship with. The writing of the Christmas letter falls to me…and years ago, when our son was so ill and the out look was grim at best I wept through out the whole writing exersize. That year the letter was deep, emotional and thought provoking….I received more comments about that letter than any before it or since. I love getting them and hearing every ones news, I also hate getting them and hearing everyones news..But I continue to write them. Mine have changed, so many of our friends are needing hope and inspiration and promise of a caring God. We went from writing about Micah’s music achievements and Melanie’s dancing at the National Ballet, and Timothy’s treatment’s and our company’s ups and downs to softer, gentler, more full of hope type letters with reminders we are not in this journey for nothing, there is a point and a purpose.
I went in to serious shock yesterday when a young gal I write back and forth with wrote on her face book 35 days til Mum and Dad arrive and 37 til Christmas. She is recently married and moved state side. I sat at my desk thinking no it is not possible….Where are the Christmas Decoration’s not at all sure where my wonderful husband put them in this new house….
I have serious catch up to do, serious.
In that catch up will be a Christmas letter to many changes this year to not write one out, so I shall sign out here and get my head around what maybe part of this years letter.
Have a blessed day Victoria richly blessed.
on November 19, 2009 - 2:15 pm
Iris,wonderful input - thank you! I appreciate hearing from you, even as you move, unpack, and settle into a new home. Yes, you’ll have much to share in this year’s newsletter! May the hope we have encourage others! You’re a blessing.
on November 20, 2009 - 12:05 am
I guess it is a custom so very unknown to me. Our immediate family and extended family have never sent out Christmas letters….. I guess it is something that many families do ……. Maybe it is something I should start……only trouble is……. all my family lives here…… No one to send it to!!!!!! hahahha
Love ya girl..
on November 26, 2009 - 8:07 am
Just wanted to drop by and wish you a Happy Thanks Giving. Thanks for being so supportive when I write here on your spot. Have a wonderful day.