Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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**Email your ideas to MorningShow@ksl.com**Coco Warner reporting
Most of us receive them, many of us send them, and all of us have probably made fun of a few of them. We're talking about the annual holiday letter!
So, how do you make sure that yours actually gets read, enjoyed and passed around for the right reasons? Here are some writing tips.
We're not talking about "War and Peace". The holiday letter you send out this year doesn't have to follow the rules of a literary classic. But, there are some do's and don'ts you can follow that will help your make your epistle easy to read and appreciate-- and hopefully, not immediately end up in the trash.
Ah-- the holiday letter. It's a great way to stay connected, but...
Ann Cannon/Columnist for the Deseret Morning News: "I used to just hate getting holiday letters. I tried to identify the reason for that. I think it's that they often made me feel like a loser."
Ann Cannon is a columnist for the Deseret Morning News. She says people can go overboard on trying to paint the perfect family picture.
Avoid too much bragging.
Ann Cannon/Columnist for the Deseret Morning News: "The best rule of thumb is probably watch out for just too much of anything."
And that includes length. Keep it to one page. Also, give yourself time to brainstorm about the content. Your first draft doesn't have to be the final one.
And try to include the right kinds of information.
Ann Cannon/Columnist for the Deseret Morning News: "You know, you might not want to give a report about your first colonoscopy."
If you pet is a very important part of your life, that's fine to mention. But just remember your audience.
Ann Cannon/Columnist for the Deseret Morning News: "Your pet is so wonderful to you. But maybe your friends aren't going to be quite as interested. It's the same with your kids."
Ann also suggests keeping you tone friendly and light. It's okay to mention the serious stuff that happens in life, but try not to linger on it. Use humor and have fun.
Ann Cannon/Columnist for the Deseret Morning News: "I think it's good to let yourself shine through your letter, and have it sound like you're having a conversation with somebody."
Ann also suggests having fun with the format. You can make a poem, create a top ten list-- she has one nephew that uses footnotes!
So here are some reminders for this year's holiday letter:
Keep it to one page
Avoid bragging
Be sensitive
Watch the tone (keep it light and conversational)
Know your audience
Write a few drafts
Have fun with the format
Coming up on Monday, we'll have some great ideas on decorating your home.
Email your ideas to MorningShow@ksl.com
