How to Write a Christmas Letter People Actually Read

To write a Christmas letter, start with a warm greeting, share concise highlights from your year, keep it to one page, and add a personal touch like a handwritten note or photo. The key is to balance updates with humility and humor, making it feel like a conversation rather than a brag sheet.

Christmas letters are a beloved tradition for many families, offering a way to reconnect with loved ones near and far. But crafting a letter that is both informative and enjoyable can be tricky. This guide will walk you through the process, from choosing a format to adding those final personal touches, ensuring your letter stands out in the holiday mail pile.

Why Send a Christmas Letter?

In an age of instant messaging and social media, a physical Christmas letter holds special significance. It shows you took the time to sit down, reflect on your year, and share it with people you care about. As one blogger puts it, "I love writing and receiving Christmas letters. Something about condensing an entire year into one creatively informative letter is just wonderful to me." (Beauty Through Imperfection)

Beyond the personal connection, Christmas letters also serve as a record of your family's history. They capture the milestones, funny moments, and growth that might otherwise be forgotten. Whether you send them to a handful of close friends or a long list of acquaintances, the effort is always appreciated.

Choosing a Format for Your Christmas Letter

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to Christmas letters. The best format depends on your family's personality and how much you want to share. Here are three popular structures, each with its own strengths:

Month-by-Month Recap

This chronological approach is ideal for families who want to document the entire year. You write a short paragraph for each month, highlighting the most memorable events. This format works well if you keep a calendar or journal to jog your memory. One writer who has used this pattern for 27 years notes that she starts jotting notes in October or November and keeps a file in Evernote to remember key moments. (Flanders Family)

However, a month-by-month letter can become lengthy, especially for larger families. If you have many people to cover, consider limiting each month to one or two sentences or focusing only on the most significant events.

Person-by-Person Update

If you prefer a more personal touch, devote a paragraph to each family member. Describe their year from their perspective, including accomplishments, challenges, and personality traits. This format is especially nice if your children are old enough to write their own paragraphs—it adds authenticity and gives everyone a voice. (Flanders Family)

This structure is easy to skim and allows readers to focus on the people they know best. It also prevents the letter from becoming a monotonous list of events.

Creative or Themed Letter

For those who enjoy a challenge, a creative format can make your letter memorable. Ideas include writing a "top 10 list" of the year's highlights, composing the letter from the perspective of your child or even the family pet, or using an acrostic based on the word "CHRISTMAS." One blogger suggests, "Write in an unexpected way... the sky's the limit!" (Beauty Through Imperfection)

Creative letters are fun to write and read, but they require more effort. Make sure the format doesn't overshadow the content—the updates should still be clear and heartfelt.

Tips for Writing a Letter People Enjoy

Regardless of the format you choose, these tips will help your letter resonate with readers:

• Share successes without bragging. It's natural to be proud of your family's achievements, but balance them with a touch of humility. For example, after mentioning your child's academic success, add a funny anecdote about a tantrum or mishap. This shows you're not trying to present a perfect image. (Beauty Through Imperfection)
• Keep it concise. Aim for one page, or at most two. Most people won't read a lengthy letter, and a shorter letter is more likely to be fully appreciated. If you have a lot to share, prioritize the most important or entertaining moments.
• Write like you talk. Avoid overly formal language. Your letter should sound like a conversation with a friend. Use contractions, humor, and your natural voice. (Nonprofit Copywriter)
• Make it skimmable. Use short paragraphs, bullet points, or headings to break up the text. Many people speed-read Christmas letters, so make it easy for them to find the parts that interest them. (Beauty Through Imperfection)
• Add a personal note. A handwritten sentence or two at the bottom of each letter shows you're thinking of the recipient individually. It doesn't have to be long—just a warm greeting or a specific question about their life. (Beauty Through Imperfection)

What to Include (and What to Leave Out)

Deciding what to include can be the hardest part. Here's a quick guide:

• Include: Major life events (births, marriages, graduations, moves), funny stories, personal growth, and a genuine reflection on the year.
• Leave out: Minute details of every event, medical issues (unless you're comfortable sharing), financial information, and anything that might embarrass a family member.

Remember, the goal is to connect, not to impress. A letter that shares both joys and struggles is more relatable and heartfelt.

Adding Photos and Design

A photo can make your letter more engaging. Many families include a family photo or individual photos of the kids. You can print photos at home or use a service like Shutterfly or Snapfish. (Beauty Through Imperfection)

If you want to get creative with design, there are many free templates available online. Adobe Express offers editable Christmas letter templates that you can customize with your own text and images. (Adobe Express) Canva also has a wide selection of free and customizable templates, including options to personalize with names and ages. (Canva)

Using a template can save time and make your letter look polished, but don't feel pressured to be a designer. A simple, well-written letter on plain paper is perfectly fine.

Final Touches: Closing and Mailing

End your letter with a warm closing that reflects your relationship with the recipient. Common closings include "Wishing you a joyous Christmas and a happy New Year," "With love and gratitude," or simply "Merry Christmas!"

When mailing, consider using festive envelopes or adding a holiday stamp. If you're including a photo, make sure it's securely attached. And don't forget to sign your name—a personal signature adds a nice touch.

Writing a Christmas letter may take a little time, but the joy it brings to both you and your recipients is well worth the effort. So grab a cup of cocoa, sit down with your memories, and start writing. Your friends and family will thank you.