When You Go to Write Your Holiday Newsletter…

Every year, more and more people are choosing to send a Christmas newsletter rather than a card. It's a pleasant way to update friends and family that you don't see much throughout the year. There are a few tips to consider when creating a newsletter that will be read and anticipated each holiday season.

Short paragraphs that are to the point will be appreciated by your readers. Keep in mind that this Christmas newsletter should just let people know about the highlights of your year. A blow-by-blow description is not necessary. Newsletters that appear to be long-winded without a very well thought out format don't tend to get read as thoroughly as those that are concise and to the point, while still being cheerful and informative.

Include each family member in your Christmas newsletter by writing a brief paragraph about each one. In your paragraph, be sure to describe this family member's most memorable activity or accomplishment for the year. To go out with a bang, end your newsletter with a fun holiday activity or event that you as a family attended together.

Deciding on a format is important. How do you want the overall newsletter to look? Be creative with your newsletter. Add columns and be sure to include photos. I received a wonderful newsletter once. It was arranged in two columns and contained a photo and paragraph for each member of the family. The writer even put in a photo of the family dog with a paragraph about his "accomplishments"! The newsletter was two pages long, but I didn't mind. It was easy to read because it had enough space between the sections, so I read it easily and cherished each word.

Try not to brag too much. Of course, you are as pleased as punch about your son being the valedictorian of his high school and therefore being accepted to an Ivy League university after receiving a full scholarship… and so on, and so on, and so on... But don't go overboard when you describe him. Keep your tone light and upbeat.

There are times, of course, when your year has been less than perfect! If your life sounds like a Country Western song with junior in jail, dad out of work, and Grandma in the grave, it may be a good idea to forgo the newsletter this year and just send out a nice card. If you had something bad happen, feel free to include it in your newsletter but just mention it briefly and mix it in with other information that is more positive.

Last, but not least, you will want to choose paper that furthers the sentiments you wish to convey with your Christmas newsletter. Using paper with a religious theme will display your beliefs and feelings about the holiday. If your family has a playful, fun-loving nature, you may want to go with Santa or some snowmen. If an elegant touch is what you seek, you may decide to use frosted trees or snowflakes to decorate your newsletter. When you select the right paper, you may find that its design actually helps you compose your Christmas newsletter. When you look at the designs and colors you have chosen, you may be inspired!

To create a Christmas newsletter that people will truly enjoy, remember, and keep, take the time to select a beautiful paper, include some nice pictures, and above all write with brevity, humor, wit, and humility.

For Christmas newsletter help, John Oberhauser is the man to ask. Printable Christmas invitations to Christmas stationery, John keeps track of them all. That’s because he manages The Image Shop, a place where you can find certificate paper, Business Letterhead, and holiday paper for less. So visit John and create a custom look at the least cost to you.