Sunday, November 08, 2009

Christmas Letter Question

The first few years Ben and I were married I faithfully sent out a TON of Christmas cards. However, for a variety of reasons, I have failed to send out a single Christmas card in the last several years. Every year I have good intentions but then it just doesn't happen. This year I (again) intend to send out cards, which leads me to this question: Do you like to receive Christmas letters from people rather than just a card?

I used to send out cards with a short couple of sentences written in it. I appreciate all cards that I receive, but it sort of seems like a waste to send out a card that simply says, "Love, the Glupkers" without a personal message inside. I LOVE reading people's Christmas letters and so I thought about writing my own this year, which will be a first for me. However, I have heard people comment over the years about how they do not like letters because they think it's just a time for people to brag about themselves. I certainly do not want to give that impression so I thought I would ask my blogging buddies:

Do you like to receive Christmas letters and do you enjoy reading them OR do you generally dislike them because it's just a brag-fest? Please respond. I'm curious!

18 comments:

Travis,Stephanie, Olivia & Alex said...

sometimes letters do come across wrong, i dont know i guess i have mixed feelings. we have never sent out letters. i used to send out a tun of cards but i have scaled back to sending out to close friends and family. we as a family love getting cards. the kids love taping them up and looking at them often. we do enjoy cards with pics, that always is a nice touch especially when you are not able to see them often.

Jenny said...

Wow I had never thought of letters as a brag fest, I hope ours don't come across that way. We usually send a photo and a letter. (Yikes, now I'm self conscious)

Abby said...

I've received both kind of letters from famiy/friends. Some seem a little over the top and some really are just informative about the year in review. I guess it just depends on the approach you're taking. I opted to send a letter out after Eli's first birthday, and talk about what he did that year. Nothing about Vince and I. I didn't get around to doing it this year, but thought about doing it again for Christmas. I think if it's too long and cumbersome too, people are put off by it. Just make it short and sweet and to the point, and not overly "we did this, we did that, etc", I think it'll be ok!

Karen said...

Hmm, I'm with Jenny--never thought of the letter as a brag-fest! I absolutely LOVE getting a letter!

I know ours aren't brag-ish. I put in our letter one paragraph per family member, and just give a simple update on each. "Olivia celebrated her 3rd birthday this September, and she is ALL GIRL! We have our hands full with her strong will, but most of the time she's an adoring big sister and a super help to Karen..."

Like that. Let us know what you decide!

Rachael Neal said...

honestly, i would prefer a photo over a card/letter any day! i don't enjoy reading a lengthy letter from someone, unless i haven't heard from them in years. i'm going to do a family photo christmas card and include our blog address on the front. that way, people know where to get an update every day of the year! plus, its cheaper!

Travis,Stephanie, Olivia & Alex said...

great idea racheal about adding blogaddress to front of card. we did photo cards last year and will do again :)

Diana Oedy said...

I personally like photo cards the best. I love getting them from family and friends, especially the people we don't get to see often. I don't mind letters, and enjoy reading some letters, but I do think that some people go way over the top. Some people definitely use it as an opportunity to brag, I like maybe a short letter and a photo. Adding the blog address for people who may not have it is a great idea too, because if people look at your blog through out the year there really isn't a need to write a whole letter as an update.

CC said...

I've never thought about it as a brag-fest either...bummer, now I'm questioning if the one I sent out last year was. However I'm going to send one out this year, hopefully, because we're moving again, hopefully. ;) And I thought people would like to know Barry's process in school, where we're living, etc. I'm not sure that's bragging, but rather updating. When he's called Dr. then I'll send out the bragging letter!!!!

Pam said...

I like and dislike letters at the same time. I enjoy brief ones that tell a bit about what happened that year, highlights. I dislike looongg letters that tell every single detail of everything.
I personally like any and all cards. If people are like me that send them, I always send one that has a message that I really like. Oh and I add a photo of the kiddos. :)

Unknown said...

I do enjoy Christmas letters -- if they're well written that is. The ones I enjoy reading share a bit about each member of the family in summarized format. Breaking it up into bit-size chunks makes the letter easier to read and gives a glimpse into how the family is growing/changing.

Also, I agree with the other commenters about making the letter short. When I see a huge long letter in a card I usually just toss it.

undergroundcrowds said...

I agree with Diana- I'm all about the photo- the fact that they sent it way out here (Germany) is enough for me to jump up and down. I get around to reading the letter eventually, especially if I already know what's going on with them via blogs or FB or whatever, but it's not a big deal to me.

suzanne said...

I like reading them, if they are not too long. I like to see what people have been up to over the last year.

christina said...

i like the letters IF they're not too long. i don't know that i've ever read one and thought, "oh, that was a brag-fest." but i have looked at the longs ones and thought, "get a publisher, lady." :~) pictures are my fave. i save them for the next year to see how people have changed. i've heard some people turn them into prayer books for the year, too.

The Murphy's said...

I like the photo cards..I put them on my fridge and so while I'm cooking or getting things out of the fridge I can pray for those families..kinda a reminder..so with that said I want a pic of the Glupkers for my fridge!! haha

Kelly Glupker said...

If you normally write a letter, don't start second guessing yourself. I don't think most people think of letters as bragging opportunities. But I am with you girls, it needs to be short. I agree with Diana, photos are the best! And it's great to include your blog address. I would like to send out a picture this year but I need to find someone to take it. Maybe those neighbors below us can take one for me? :)

Sarah Glupker said...

I love photos and letters (big or small). If someone takes the time to write things out that are important to them, I'll definitely read it instead of pitch it, whether or not I'd choose to write things differently myself. Letters are fun! Some people are so creative, and I appreciate their artistic talent as well as the updates. I do understand that time and finances come into play with something like this, so I'd probably be pretty selective in who I'd send one to.

Rebecca Townsend said...

If you are thinking about sending out Christmas cards I found a site (www.amazingmail.com) that you can upload a picture, your address book, and even a form letter. The website sends out postcards for you. They are nice laminated postcards and pictures come out real clear. I like it because it forces you to stay short (it's a postcard), but it is easy to add a personal message, its a nice picture and you don't have to spend hours handwriting cards. I think it is kind of best of everything.

Katie said...

I usually send a letter with a picture. Last year was the first time since getting married that I didn't. :( I've never thought of them as brag fests either. I like reading letters myself; if they're longer, but I know the people well, I'm interested. Otherwise, I suppose I just scan it.