The Christmas form letter

**frugal-fannie** · 12-12-2009, 10:35 AM

I am actually thinking of doing this this year. I have had fun ones and long ones. I love the ones with pics. Any special ideas that you have liked on ones written by you or ones you have received? My daughter did one from the view of their pet fish(quite creative and funny)

**hotprincesscm** · 12-12-2009, 10:40 AM

You mean like a "family update" type of letter, sent in Christmas cards? I have thought about doing that, but never have yet. I have received only one, in all of my adult years, and while yes it's nice, I'm not sure it almost felt impersonal at the same time. I would be interested in some of the other responses on here as well...maybe give me some ideas. I do have some extended family that I would like to "update" on my kids and our family.

**shoiji** · 12-12-2009, 12:26 PM

I do enjoy reading peoples x-mas for letters. I pretty much do the same thing but then add more information in pen and ink. Think this gives it a more personal touch. But then again I still get excited receiving a card in the mail.

**Elizabeth CM** · 12-12-2009, 02:25 PM

I do one every year. I print the front (text) in B&W and the back I put a few pictures in color (saves on ink). My husband gets free B&W copies at work, so he does that and then I print the pictures on the back thru our printer at home. I always include a recipe or something (this year it was for peppermint bark.)

I have a growing child and lots of relatives & friends who don't Facebook or anything - plus we do cards, not gifts, for almost everyone. I bought our cards this year from the dollar store, and I always write a personal note in each one. The most expensive thing is the stamps! I figured, with postage, it came to about $30 total for 50 (they are sent around the world so some are .80 stamps).

The elder friends and family, especially those who live far from us, always tell us that they love these cards & letters - so that keeps me going. Most years, I send them a "happy summer" card, as well. I don't think anyone ever grows out of loving getting something nice in the mail, do you?

**piney** · 12-12-2009, 04:33 PM

Me and a close friend was discussing that this week.I thought it would be nice keep a note book with things written down that others might be interested in and at christmas make a copy and send with a card.

**frugalwarrior2** · 12-12-2009, 06:38 PM

My DH's friend used to do one like a newspaper. Things about his dog and yearly trips. A section for witty sayings and jokes. I think it had a puzzle. Don't tell him but ZZZZZZ!! The first year it was cute but..

**pollypurebred39** · 12-12-2009, 07:07 PM

Have a family member send one every year. I could do without it, it's just a brag rag for her. She words hers in such a way that it just gets under your skin. Her kids are perfect (sure they are!) Her Grandkids are perfect (Oh please!) Everyone's business is booming (and she'll share this even though she knows 2 other family members lost their businesses that past year, just grinding it in how well off everybody is), overseas vacation stories & pictures, with the addition of the price tag and the statement, but were worth it! UGH!, look at our new vacation beach house, isn't it darling and then the price tag and again but we're worth it, here's the new addition to our home and no we didn't need to expand the indoor pool but well, wanted it, oh and we're worth it!, here's our son's new home, new Jaguar or whatever, Kayla's so brilliant that she's graduating from her prep boarding school 2 years early, and if I have to read one more fabulous story about her wonderful movie producer son (who thinks he's too good to sit in his Grandmother's house) I swear I think my head will unscrew from my shoulders from the pressure of keeping my mouth shut.

On the other hand I get one from a distant friend who shares wonderful tales and tid bits of her life with great humor and wit. You feel like you were right there with her in the DMV line or check out line when whatever the story was happened. You find yourself cheering for her good fortune and shedding a tear for her losses. It's a wonderful way to catch up with her lifes happenings.

**mnmarty03** · 12-13-2009, 07:21 AM

"happy summer" card

I think this is a great idea. We too have a lot of family and friends who are far away from us - and this year, for the first time, we are sending out christmas cards. But I think sending out a "happy summer" card would make so many of those people we don't see enough smile! I'll have to remember this.

**Trishagirl** · 12-13-2009, 09:02 AM

I've never done that but dh has written one and sent it to relatives. I do love reading those letters only from people that I know. I love to brag about my kids! LOL

**frugal-fannie** · 12-13-2009, 09:10 AM

I haven't done one ever, they are lucky if they get the card by New Years or even get a card. My daughter asked me if I needed to do a decade update then the regular one.LOL.

**mombottoo** · 12-13-2009, 09:35 AM

Actually, I hate Christmas form letters. Maybe it's just me, but I figure if people really want me to know what's going on in their lives they'd call me or write to me throughout the year. Most of the form letters I've received are all goo & gush...we all know that real life isn't all goo & gush.