Written by Vickie Stone, from the Village Church.
When I graduated from Ohio State and moved to California in 1986, it was a big adventure and the beginning of my independence as an adult, far from my childhood home. It was the pre-internet age, so writing my first Christmas letter felt like the perfect way to bring all my friends and family up to date on my life on the West Coast. I loved including it with my photo Christmas card. It was the beginning of what would become my own personal Christmas tradition. My photo cards captured a milestone such as seeing the service puppy I raised, go off to professional training or a big event, such as traveling to Australia or Turkey. I know some people cringe when they read Christmas letters, perhaps feeling that the writer is bragging about their kids’ becoming astronauts or winning the Nobel prize.
But I love them. I love hearing everyone’s news, even if nowadays I may have seen some of their events through the year, on their Facebook posts. Christmas letters are a form of documenting what matters in our lives. Reflecting back and reading my old Christmas letters lets me enjoy my adventures all over again or reminisce about dear ones I miss, that are no longer on this earth. There have been times that I have thought of stopping my tradition because it does take time to craft it, read, edit, re-edit; but even that exercise is beneficial since it allows me to pause during a very busy season to really consider my year, recognizing the best times were the cherished memories made with special people. Sending Christmas cards with or without newsy Christmas letters, is certainly a way to let people know you love them and wish them well during the Christmas season. May this season find you reflecting on all that was precious during your year and asking ourselves how we can follow Jesus to live the lives he wants for us.
A Christmas Letter by Keith Whitley: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGGb4RBMLxg
Pathways Press.com 