Those Dreaded Christmas Letters

by | Glimpses Of God, Motherhood | 8 comments

Picture

It’s that time of year again. If it hasn’t happened yet, it probably will. You’ll open your mailbox, pull out the mail, and find a bright red envelope amidst the holiday catalogs and department store flyers. A Christmas card. There might even be a letter inside. 

Yes, I know. People have strong opinions about family Christmas letters. Some think they’re nothing more than a way for people to brag about the trips they’ve taken or gush over their little star athlete and honor student.

And then there’s the other kind of Christmas letters. Maybe you’ve seen them. They’re so full of complaints and self-pity, you wonder if you should send a Christmas (or a sympathy) card in return.  

But on the most part, I think Christmas letters get a bum rap. Yes, I confess. I send one of those “dreaded letters” to friends and relatives every year. (Hey, I’m a writer. What did you expect?)

The other day I sat down at my desk, ready to dive into issue #12 of the “Zeck Zone Newsletter.” But I was easily distracted. I soon found myself skimming through old copies of our newsletters from years past. Memories of moments – both significant and trivial – flooded my mind.

There seems to be a fine line between “bragging” and sharing the good stuff God’s been doing. Of course life isn’t perfect. But in a world so full of negativity, what’s wrong with focusing on the good? Isn’t the Christmas season the perfect time to appreciate our blessings? 
Okay, I’ll admit it. I’ve wondered if friends and relatives roll their eyes when they read our letters. I guess I’ll never know. But the truth is, I don’t write them for others. I write them for us. 

It forces us to slow down and appreciate the positive things in life. 

It records our family history. 

It’s a keepsake for our kids.

So while I hope our friends and relatives look forward to our letters, it really doesn’t matter. I’ll keep writing them just the same.

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8 Comments

  1. Hally Franz
    Hally Franz on December 8, 2014 at 10:25 pm

    Sheri, if I could produce a letter that looked like that I’d do one every year. And, I’d enjoy getting those as well. I think the bragging is when you see a laundry list of accomplishments by each member and not much more. I think highlighting the good (and sometimes the sad) moments of the year is exactly what one should do. You can put me on your list! Very nice post – in look and word!

    Reply
    • Sheri
      Sheri on December 9, 2014 at 8:47 am

      Thanks Hally! And if you’re serious, I’d be happy to add you to my list. 🙂 Just email me your address!

      Reply
  2. Grace
    Grace on December 9, 2014 at 1:05 am

    It’s wonderful seeing your beautiful family as they engage in all kinds of activities individually and corporately. I very much enjoy receiving your Christmas letters. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Sheri
      Sheri on December 9, 2014 at 8:48 am

      Good to know! I’ll keep you on the list! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Shawnelle
    Shawnelle on December 9, 2014 at 7:24 am

    Love this post and your Christmas letter book. And – the pic is adorable!

    Reply
    • Sheri
      Sheri on December 9, 2014 at 8:54 am

      Thank you Shawnelle. Seems to me you also started your writing journey with family Christmas letters! I guess you just never know where God’s going to take ‘ya! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Aunt Janet
    Aunt Janet on December 17, 2014 at 4:47 am

    Keep them coming…

    Reply
    • Sheri
      Sheri on December 17, 2014 at 7:22 am

      Just sent yours yesterday! 🙂

      Reply

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