Almost time for the Christmas letter with greetings and a narrative of the past year's doings. We find outselves reacting to these letters. A few rules surround Christmas letter writing according to Erika Hoffman who believes her advice will result in a letter that others will look forward to receiving. Is she correct? I know what Erika is getting at but it certainly rules out all the goss.

• One page is long enough.
• News of your kids who have left home is no longer included as they have lives of their own.
• It is not the time to write of sad events.
• Two success stories are the maximum.
• Only use humour if you are naturally funny.
• One photo is enough.
• Include an email address in case anyone is truly interested in hearing more.
• Your young kids could be invited to draw and decorate the letter and envelope.
• It is too late to mail a Christmas letter in the New Year.
• Don't write how busy, rich, sick or wonderful you and yours are.
• Sign off on a hopeful note.
• Write a line by hand to personalise each letter
  

(Based on Australian Catholics Magazine Christmas 2008)