I don’t know about you, but this year’s family Christmas newsletter is going to be different. Really different! I’ve already started thinking how I’m going to approach the usual task of pulling together recollections and observations about the past year. Finding just the right photos to emphasize some of that material. I’m guessing that it’s not going to be easy for any of us who take up the annual-newsletter challenge.
I don’t know about you, but the usual newsletter content isn’t available this time around. After the middle of March, really significant family events—reunions, big adventures—didn’t happen. The same with any professional conferences or presentations. No travels, no vacations. Limited interaction with our children, friends or former colleagues. Instead, our life has been concentrated into experiences and routines tightly framed by the safety requirements made necessary by the continuing pandemic. “Virtual” describes much of our lives. “Satisfied with less” fits, too.
I don’t know about you, but there might just be some newsletter opportunities hiding in these circumstances. Some alternative ways to describe the past year with gratitude. More space available for forthright reflections about important matters. Fewer reasons to tout only notable accomplishments. An implicit invitation to speak very personally with those who read our newsletter.
I don’t know about you, but this year’s newsletter could be a new way to strengthen friendships, recall our shared priorities, remember who we are, offer hope and courage to each other and rise above grousing/chortling about politics.
I don’t know about you, but maybe this year we’ll get to know more about your family—and you about ours. We’re really looking forward to reading your Christmas newsletter this year.
I don’t know about you, but maybe it’s time to get started….?
