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The
Better Christmas Letter
By Mari Peckham
We
have approached the time of year that sends many of us to our computers
to wax poetic about the joys and tribulations of our family happenings.
Yes, it's time to write the Holiday Form Letter once again.
As
my beloved sister can attest, I have never been a big fan of the
Holiday Form Letter. I have always felt a bit insulted by it's lack
of a personal touch. After all, should my sister have the same things
to say to me and an old college chum that she rarely speaks to?
Of course not!
But,
I must admit, that when I became a Mother, on top of being a career
girl, that the Holiday Form Letter found it's way into my life,
as well. I had to go easier on my sister, once I clearly understood
that her teaching schedule, mixed with her duties as a minister's
wife and Mother of 4, left her very little time to sit down and
pen personal letters to each and every person on her holiday list.
Still,
I was bothered by the idea of the Holiday Form Letter. Yes, I wrote
and sent them. I received and read them. But did I enjoy them? No,
not really. We should all strive to write a BETTER Holiday Letter!
Keep these few simple tips in mind as your write your holiday greetings
this year, and, I promise, your recipients will be thankful!
TARGET
YOUR AUDIENCE - Have a large set of friends and family? How about
trying a different letter for each group! That way, you can share
only the information that you know would be relevant to your particular
audience.
ADD
A PERSONAL TOUCH - Judith Martin, also known as Miss Manners, says
that we should always sign each letter with our own hand. A short
personal note and your signature can make a world of difference
to the reader. It shows that you have them in mind, instead of just
methodically sending off a standard holiday greeting to them.
KEEP
IT HAPPY! - Only good news should accompany the holidays! If you
have sad news, then a personal letter or phone call is much more
appropriate.
CONSIDERATION
IS KEY - Everyone may not have had as good of a year as you have.
Maybe their kids didn't make the honor roll, maybe they didn't get
a new car, or a new job. So, even though it's wonderful to share
all of your good news, be sure that you avoid boasting!
CONTACT
INFORMATION - Often, envelopes get lost in the hubbub of the season.
Make sure that you include contact information, including your current
address, phone, and email address, so that your reader has an easy
way of getting in touch with you.
A PICTURE
IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS - Short on time? Send a recent family
picture with a short note. Seeing you and your family happy and
healthy will surely send a message of cheer! I love to receive new
pictures of my far away (and not so far away) family and friends.
BE
YOURSELF - Let your letter express your personality. I've always
thought that letters written in third party were a bit weird! I
like to know who I'm speaking with or who's writing what I'm reading!
Remember,
we are sending the Holiday Letter for our readers enjoyment. Read
through your letter from the eyes of your audience. Is this a letter
that you would enjoy reading at the holidays? If so, you've done
yourself, and your friends and family, justice. Happy Holidays!
© 2000
Mari Peckham
About the Author: Mari Peckham is the President of Peckham Enterprises
and webmistress of PowerPromoPlus, your online advertising solution
at: http://www.powerpromoplus.com To subscribe to her online advertising
tips, tools and techniques ezine, Advertise_Online, send any email
to: mailto:advertise_online-subscribe@egroups.com
or visit: http://www.powerpromoplus.com/advertise_online.htm
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