I write it to keep a record of what happened in our year, how the kids have grown, what we've been up to.
I write it to share about my family with loved ones who we don't communicate with on a regular basis.
But this year, I'm wondering if my Christmas letter has become obsolete.
I'm a blogger now.
I practically write about and post pictures of the highs and lows of our lives daily.
On a general level, social media like Facebook and Twitter has made the world a smaller place. We are able to keep in touch and stay updated with family and friends all year long. I already know that my niece's baby is crawling, that my cousin is about to have a baby, that my friend started a new business. And everyone certainly knows more than they could possibly want to about me.
But while I consider not writing my letter this year, I picture my aunt in her house with the stack of two dollar bills that she sends in every family member's birthday card. I don't believe she reads my blog and has certainly not friended me on Facebook yet. But, whenever I see her, she always remembers to thank me for my Christmas card.
I also mourn the loss of what is tangible, what is written on paper. There is something about holding a letter in your hand—even if it isn't hand written and is sent as a mass letter.
So, I don't know. My cards are ordered and will arrive in a few days. Will I write the letter? I'm not sure yet.
What do you think? Is the Christmas letter obsolete?
I'd write it. Sometimes it is about tradition, not practicality. Did I spell that right?
ReplyDeletei think it depends how much of your christmas card list reads your blog. for me, i think most of ours doesn't. i'm also trying to make mine a bit more creative (not the traditional 'letter' format) and have info that i haven't shared on the blog so it's still fun to read for our readers. i don't know...let me know what you think when you get it! :)
ReplyDeleteI am foregoing my mailed letter this year, but just to simplify things. I have always written a "family letter" that I do not mail out. I keep it in our Christmas journal, for only our immediate family to read. It's mainly to record our year,and for the kids to be able to look back on someday. I can write about things that I might not want to write about in a mailed newsletter. And I can brag on my babies all I want without turning anyone off-HA! I'm like you, I love the tradition of pen and paper letters.
ReplyDeleteNo way. I still, and you too, probably, have relatives/friends who haven't jumped on the blogging or social network bandwagon that would still love to know about the family. Besides, you are a writer now, you HAVE to do all you can to keep the written word alive! ;-)
ReplyDeleteGo for it! We don't write one because I have my blog. You could always put a link to your blog so people could catch up with your life. That's an idea. Wish I would have thought of that!
ReplyDeleteBecause you love it and do not view it as a chore I think you should do it. There are the family members who do love receiving them and probably look forward to them.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm going to try my hand at a Christmas letter this year. Sadly since my dad died I feel like my family doesn't keep up with each other as well. Makes me heartsore.
ReplyDeleteI would least send Cards to people who don't do email or much internet or don't even have internet.
ReplyDeleteChristmas letters are lot of work...I always want to send a family picture with mine.
Besides...what would you do with the cards that you ordered? ;-)
Go for it!
Take care,
Nancy
Okay.. sounds like I'm writing one girls!
ReplyDeleteI look for my Christmas card and letter in the mailbox everyday! Still waiting...love you, Mom
ReplyDeleteI need to write a xmas letter, but I literally don't have time...sad isn't it..
ReplyDeleteYou know, I decided not to write my letter this year since I started blogging. However . . . maybe next year I will do it and send it to those friends and family that just aren't Internet people. There's something so nice about that which you can hold in your hands . . .
ReplyDelete