Writing a Christmas Newsletter
Friday, August 18th, 2006 
Christmas newsletters are a great way to let everyone know what all has been happening in your family’s life over the past year. However, even a personal newsletter needs a little structure. Below are a few tips to make sure your newsletter stays out of the discarded wrapping paper pile.
Just like with all other types of newsletters, you should write your Christmas newsletter around a theme.
Think about the events of the past year and determine a reoccurring theme. For example, if your teenage son left for college and you moved to a new house all within the past year, you could organize your newsletter around the theme of change and adjustment.
Including fun fillers in your Christmas newsletter is not only acceptable but is typically very enjoyable to read. Filler could be anything from favorite family recipes to holiday themed jokes. You could also scan images of your child’s drawings for inclusion in the newsletter.
At all costs, avoid bragging. In highlighting the achievements and accomplishments of your family, be descriptive but choose your words carefully so you don’t come across as boastful. People want to know the details; they just don’t want to feel unaccomplished.
Select your tone carefully and write in a conversation manner. Try to find a good balance between writing too much and writing too little. For example, instead of writing every detail of your family’s camping trip, write how hiking in the mountains helped to alleviate all of your work-related stress.
A good rule of thumb is to include pictures. People want to see how your family has changed and grown since last year so give them what they want by including lots of pictures. Try to include pictures of events and trips you mention in the newsletter as opposed to only candid photos.