That Annual Holiday Letter

early December 2006

It is interesting to hear the reactions from people about “that annual holiday letter.” I am referring to those “Dear Family and Friends” letters that are copied and folded and sent along with the holiday greeting card. Why do so many people seem to say that they dislike this practice so much? Or do they just say that but secretly read every word of every letter they receive?

I started writing my annual letter several years ago after having relocated and realizing that there were so many people in different parts of the country (and world) with whom I had not spoken in a very long time, but to whom I wanted to send greetings of the season and some news of my life and family. As I heard some people talking disparagingly about those “annual letters,” I thought that I must stop this practice.

But, before I go on, I must mention a few experiences that have occurred recently. Earlier this year, my husband and I attended a funeral in Atlanta. We met a couple, my husband’s relatives, whom I had never met before. They were so friendly and the woman mentioned how happy she was to finally meet me; she felt that she knew me so well because of my annual holiday letters. This past summer we attended my husband’s college reunion where we saw a few of his fraternity brothers. One of these men spoke to me about so many aspects of our life that he had learned from our annual letter and said that he looked forward each year to our letter to hear more about his fraternity brother (my husband) and me. These are just a couple of experiences but they are indicative of several that happen throughout the year.

The annual letter is a way for people to share news of their lives with their friends and families even if they do not correspond much throughout the year. Yes, many of those letters do “sugar coat” the lives and activities of the writer, but that is okay. So, I will continue the tradition and hope that I will do so for many years to come. I think that many people would like to hear more news from you rather than just see your signature on your holiday card. And for those who really do not like these annual letters, they can just not read them; no one is forcing them!

If you have written holiday letters before or if you wish to do it for the first time, I am offering a special incentive to help you this year. I will proofread and edit your letter for a flat fee of $15 as long as it is no longer than two typed pages (about 1600 words). I look forward to hearing from you and helping you spread the joy of the season and welcome in the New Year with friendship and love.

Shelly Rosenberg