Do you write or send holiday newsletters? 'Tis the season for news from family and friends from afar. I love receiving real letters from real people I know – it’s a gift I treasure. The best newsletters are written with care. In this case, care is not about perfect grammar, punctuation, or style. Just inform, entertain, and enlighten me!

I’ve compiled the ABC’s of crafting holiday newsletters followed by a Q&A.

Authentic: Merriam Webster named authentic its word of the year. Best to take this word seriously, as well as my advice. Write in your authentic voice. Do not worry about impressing anyone with funny anecdotes, accolades, or athletic triumphs. Please don’t fret over writing witty, that’s hard work.  I’d rather read your heartfelt stories. Finally, the key to creating an authentic newsletter is simple: Don’t make stuff up.    

Brief: One of my favorite sayings by Mark Twain is: “I didn't have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead.” Twain has a point. He is saying thinking before writing is key to composing a clear, concise letter. I prefer highlights, not a monthly summary of your life. (Just me.) Also, remember to identify people in your newsletter. Tell me if Sandy is your aunt or your golden retriever.

Strive for a balanced account of the year – share the sad news along with the good news. Caution: Use your judgment about conveying bad news. Is this news something that needs a separate letter or a phone call?  

Cheer: Sprinkle positive uplifting news throughout your letter and end on a happy note.  

FAQs:

How can I be more creative?

Give the job of compiling the news to someone else in your family. Ask a member of your fur family to pen the letter. Spot is a keen observer and I’m sure he’d prepare a ruff draft for you. Perhaps your readers will enjoy hearing a different point of view. Or you could change the format: Try making a video or a singing audio card. But before you go that route, consider your audience. Are they savvy Tic Toc consumers? If yes, you are up against some tough competition. On the other hand, can their technology support your multimedia note?

What if I had a boring unworthy news year?

Is there a G-rated hobby you can highlight?  Make sure you anything you mention doesn’t set expectations that next year they’ll receive handmade crocheted hats, giant garden zucchini or an abstract poem you wrote. Remember, fever dreams and abstract poems are best kept to yourself.

Think about the content for a week and if you aren’t inspired to write, don’t. Take solace in the fact that there’s always next year for better news and dreams to come true.  

Do I have to type the letter?

Do you really want me to decipher your handwriting? Be kind and type it.    

What color type is more festive for my newsletter – red, green, gold or silver?

These colors look tacky and are hard to read. To create an accessible newsletter, consider an easy to read font. Pick one font unless you want this letter to look like a ransom note. I also suggest you stick with basic black ink for your color-blind and color sensitive friends.  

Can I email my newsletter to save time and money?

It is the digital age so of course you can email the newsletter. I’m channeling the Modern Miss Manners here: “Yes, holiday newsletters may be emailed because it’s the thought that counts. However, keep in mind that even though it’s more practical it’s less personal.”

Really, I can email the letter? No, I was kidding. What is better than a letter? Sorry, that’s me being authentic.

Is it necessary to let people know this is your last newsletter?

My advice is not to announce your intentions to forgo this honored holiday tradition. Resist revealing your plan, even if you have a legitimate reason like, “We won $2 billion dollars in the lottery and we’re _________. (Fill in the blank.)  Your friends and family will resent you, follow you, or heap guilt upon you for stopping the newsletter they look forward to every year.

My newsletter is going to be late, late, late. I missed the 12/31 deadline. What should I do?

Deadlines apply only to the Grinch who wants to steal your joy.  You can still send it. Change the date and the salutation to Happy New Year!