Christmas Letters
This time of year we get lots of newsy letters tucked in with cards from friends and family. I'm sure you do, too.
I would like to discuss one of my pet peeves about these letters.
Most of these letters are written in the third person. You know what I mean: "Mary was pregnant this year, and had a good visit with her cousin Elizabeth. Joseph's carpentry business was very busy, what with all the new developments going up in East Nazareth. Our newest family member, little Jesus, enjoyed a nice trip to Egypt after an inauspicious beginning in a stable."
My question is, who wrote the letter? It's as if a stalker followed your family around all year, noting their accomplishments and typing them up on festive paper.
I say, if you write your family's Holiday Letter, you should write in the first person. It will sound more natural, and be more of a real letter. Don't hide behind the third person - what, are you Rickey Henderson or something?
Comments
ROFLMAO!!!!! So true!!!!!
Posted by: Norah Nick | December 15, 2003 4:09 PM
Dean must admit that he's been guilty of that once or twice.
At least once it was justified since the layout was more of a two column newsletter than a letter.
Dean says he's very sorry and asks Brad for forgiveness at this time.
:)
Posted by: Dino | December 15, 2003 8:54 PM
Brad was not casting blame, merely making an observation and stating an opinion. Brad found that remark quite funny, Dino.
Posted by: Brad | December 15, 2003 9:42 PM
It doesn't really bother me when folks write that way, but if they talk that way, then we've got a problem.
Bod Dole knows Bob Dole...
Posted by: Kris | December 16, 2003 8:28 AM
(Dean- ROTFL!)
This is a very good point, Brad. I have been guilty of this on our web site. (In fact I don't think I've gone back and changed any of the sections were I did that, so they are probably still there.)
Posted by: Joel | December 16, 2003 12:12 PM
Kris does a quick search of Joel's archives...
Posted by: Kris | December 16, 2003 1:19 PM
I think I know whose letter you're referring to, because I got it too.
My wife says it's not Christmas until she sees the newsletter from RLH.
Posted by: patinhisrightmind | December 16, 2003 8:45 PM
Pat,
While he is a repeat offender, I am not singling anybody out. Many, if not all, of the Christmas letters we get are written in this style.
Posted by: Brad | December 17, 2003 11:23 AM