Traditions are part of the holidays, and writing our annual family Christmas letter is mine. For the past 10 years as the last turkey leftover is eaten on Thanksgiving weekend, I take out my note pad and start drafting the letter to go with our Christmas mailing.
Back in 2004, I wrote that it was going to be a "new tradition we hope to continue as a nice way to recap the year's highlights for our close friends and family, and to establish a nice record of family history." A modest goal indeed.
Recording Family History
You see I am a typical forgetful father. I can tell you the starting line-up for the 1986 Mets, sing the lyrics of Rick Springfield's Jessie's Girl, and remember the name of the bully who hit me with a broom in third grade. But, but don't ask me where Emma went to pre-school (Joyful Noise), when Tess started walking (2005) or how much Will weighed when he was born (9.9 pounds and 23 inches). I need cheat sheets.I don't have the maternal memory that my mother has: "Well, 1975, that was the year you lost your first tooth, your sister had a crush on that Polish boy who lived on Fulton Avenue and your Aunt Gladys passed away. Oh, and I weighed 98 pounds. Can you believe that?" Mothers remember that stuff. Not dads. So, I write my letters.
Sharing Milestones and Memories
My wife makes fun of me every year for writing the letter, but I know she would miss it if I let it slip. And friends tell me how much they look forward to it. I used to send it to just a few friends, but then the word got out and people who didn't get "the letter" felt slighted. "Why didn't I get your letter this year, Bill?"
The truth is I enjoy reading through the collection of all the letters each year and remembering the milestones and moments of our lives: the joyous baby births, school updates and fond memories of those who passed; the unforgettable weddings, vacations and visitors to NJ; the new plays, kiddie quotes and crazy dog adventures. It's all right there, captured in my memory lane binder (yes, a binder -- just like work).
The Making of a Good Christmas Letter
I know Christmas letters aren't for everybody. Some people hate them. Some people mock them.I would like to think I have learned something over 10 years, so here are five tips for writing a good Christmas Letter:
- 1. Know your audience - Are you writing this for the neighbor you nod hello to? No, you're writing it for the family members who want to see if you mention them. For the friends you haven't seen in years, but whom you would love to visit "if they were in town"; for your kids to read about themselves when they get older and you want to embarrass them; for the older version of you someday reading Christmas letters that make you chuckle and cry.
3. Don't brag -- Your kids are the cutest, brightest, etc. We get it. Tell the stories or moments that help us know them a bit better. Will wants to be a snakecharmer. Emma was an Oompa Loompa. Tess is planning to open a salon/dogwalking service when she grows up
4. Humor never hurts -- Give readers the family update, but be colorful or specific on the people, places and biggest events of the year. Paint the picture. Tell them about the dog chewing up the windowsills, the kid who broke your big screen TV, getting trapped on an elevator with the family in London, kids vomiting on vacation. People like to know you might have had a tougher year than they did. ;)
5. Be thankful -- It is Christmas. Be a little sappy and count your blessings.
Truth be told, my Christmas letter is a very special gift. A gift for me that I happen to share with others.
Happy holidays and God bless...
Merry Christmas to you and yours, Bill.
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