How to write an honest Christmas letter
How to write an honest Christmas letter
I used to love getting handwritten notes with my Christmas cards. News of the year from loved ones, noting celebrations and challenges.
Then came the Christmas letter. Typed and copied, but still better than what followed…a stamped name. Not even a personal signature. I am always confused about what type of message this is meant to send to the receiver?
We joke about the letters; I hear them all the time. They can come off as show-offy and smug. It seems people grow tired of glowing lists of our children’s attributes (but no flaws) and endless vacation photos (while others can’t pay the electric bills).
What should I write in Christmas letters?
One year my friend Tiffany’s made me snort with laughter. She told the truth.
Snippets of life story ended with, “oh yeah…that wasn’t fun either” honesty. Best Christmas letter I ever read.
As we continued to move we started the letters ourselves, mainly out of genuine desire to keep people updated on our crazy adventures of life choices and changes.
This year, we are back to simple cards. Hand-signed. It was fun, mostly. We are human of course, and everyone had different ideas about streamlining that got a bit snarky here and there. I didn’t think a letter was necessary, after all…we didn’t move this year!
It occurred to me though, there were important things to reflect on, things to share with you as I ponder their importance myself.
Psalm 16:5-8  The Lord is my chosen and assigned portion, my cup; You hold and maintain my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; yes, I have a good heritage.  I will bless the Lord, Who has given me counsel; yes, my heart instructs me in the night seasons  I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Christmas letters are better when authentic
Here is a short list of events and circumstances –
- My biological father died. We hadn’t seen each other face to face in 24 years. We didn’t cross the walls we built. And I am left with a lesson, think carefully about the reasons you have for times like these. Will they comfort you in the end?  Mine don’t, I hope to not make that mistake again
- Our oldest daughter is a senior this year. All those people who said time flies? They were right. And it feels weird. So there you go. She dreams and fears and walks ahead
- Our youngest daughter has suffered debilitating migraines all year, yet she sings still. Music brings life and healing
- Darned if those bills didn’t get paid off this year, and keep mounting. But tonight we sleep in comfort and safety and health. That is enough
- I met new friends, missed old ones, enjoyed close ones. Friends are precious
- My husband is in a challenging situation; however,he is home full time. Every night he comes home to us, so we live grateful for that. Last year we were incomplete. Tonight, we sleep side by side, and my children have their Daddy. No small gift
- My Filipino siblings were spared in the destructive typhoon near their home, again…gratitude
- My tiny niece successfully triumphed through difficult medical conditions. Her diagnosis is not what was hoped for, but her life is courageous and powerful
- Writing has blossomed into something beautiful for me. My work matters to others besides myself. What a gift
On and on and on it goes. We live in the moments and almost miss them, because the next day…hour…all bring new moments. With their own stories.
Christmas letter ideas without the fluff
My open letter could be summarized to these words.
Dear friend,
Our life was rich and difficult and scary and powerful and exhilarating. Our moments built our life. I bet yours did too. Look closely, see your story. I’d love to hear it.
Until we meet again, don’t stop reading until you understand your worth to me. I love you.
Merry Christmas,
Me
Christmas Resources to encourage you:
- One of our favorite movies about Christmas expectations-Christmas With The Kranks
- God Hears Her, A Joyful Christmas: 31 Morning and Evening Devotions
- The Great Christmas Bowl
- Have Yourself a Minimalist Christmas: Slow Down, Save Money & Enjoy a More Intentional Holiday
- Our Christmas Story: A Modern Christmas Memory BookÂ
- Everybody Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People
- Why the Nativity?: 25 Compelling Reasons We Celebrate the Birth of Jesus
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Thank you for your Xmas message Christen. Your posts are important to me.
God bless you in your part of the world Audrey
Powerful. And a little sad.
Interesting La, tell me more about it being sad. That fascinates me
Dear You,
I am so glad you are my friend. I love being part of your life.
Love,
Bria
Ditto ♥
Merry “Christa”mas to you and yours, Friend……
Ha Cyndi! I have accidentally signed SO many cards that way…Bless you and yours
I love this. I am not a fan of the Christmas Letter either. I send out cards hands signed by me usually with a short personal note in each one. And I usually have them done and ready for the mail about this time. I haven’t even started. I did, however, get my list ready.
So much has happened to us as well but I don’t want to send a letter.
Kathryn, I hope with reflection you’ll find God’s hand written all over it in beautiful script
Oh my, I missed this. What a beautiful letter. THAT’S the Christmas letter I want to get in the mail. I don’t want to read about how “blessed” you are, because next year may be very different. I want to hear how your heart is doing (and by “you” I mean anyone who sends me a Christmas letter.)
It is a fine line because of course we want to celebrate our blessings and be focused on that. But, a certain sensitivity is required to those who will receive it. And honesty. How can we pray for each other if we only see the happy veneer?
Very touching beautiful Christmas letter! Thanks for sharing!
I so appreciate you taking time to comment and visit today!
Beautiful letter, Christa! Wish these were the kind of letters I receive each year. I strive to make mine positive so I don’t sound complaining, but balancing it with not sounding bragging can be difficult. You’ve shown how to do so. Great post!
I totally know what you mean. We should be able to celebrate our joys, but it is hard to do so with a balance. I am sure I’ve gotten it wrong myself 🙂
Beautiful letter!! And, sometimes those letters can come across smug, and braggy, but I still like reading them, although that one letter you mentioned from your friends sounds like it would be my favorite too! 🙂
I like reading them too but I get the feeling by hearing snippets of conversation that I’m in the minority. Now, if people would keep sending a letter ( I do understand quantity) yet add the real life struggles as well, we’d be on to something amazing