Easy Tips for Last Minute Christmas Letters

It's almost Christmas and we're just about out of time, but we can still write a Christmas letter that will get read by our family and friends (instead of set aside). Here are ten steps to make the job quick and easy:

1. With modern technology we have several choices of format: A one, two, three or four page newsletter to be sent in the U. S. Mail or emailed in a pdf file, a blog post, or a Face Book post. Use an attention grabbing nameplate, columns and pictures. You can find attractive templates online or popular software.
2. It's a good idea to draft an outline to organize your articles and pictures.
3. Use common fonts (Times New Roman, Courier New, or Arial), no smaller than 10 pt.
4. Make your feature article your Christmas message. It can be devotional, inspirational or humorous. This is our time to share the true meaning of Christmas.
5. Family articles highlight special occasions, events and accomplishments. Children and grandchildren like to be remembered here. It's not cool to brag about fancy vacations, but it's nice to share something of interest about the places you visited.
6. Current events validate the time of your writing and make your letter a collectible. Stories of loved ones in harms way or what you were doing when a historical event occurred.
7. Pictures you collected during the year on your phone, FB or computer will come in handy. Be sure to enter captions with names and dates.
8. Keep your letter positive. If you or someone in your family have suffered loss or illness, tell how God was faithful through this period of time.
9. Don't be too concerned if you cannot fit everyone in your family in the letter. If it's your tradition, there are more opportunities in future newsletters.
10. While style and design are necessary, content is most important. It's fun to share recipes, songs or stories that tell the real meaning of Christmas.

It takes a couple minutes at the most to read a Christmas newsletter, but maybe an afternoon to write it. If you have collected information and pictures during the year, it saves valuable time. After you have crafted your letter, proof it and send it your love and prayers.