Christmas is a time when our thoughts turn to the special people God has brought into our lives, and as we remember, our hearts are warmed with love. Have you written that Christmas letter yet? Christmas epistles provide a capsule accounting of the important events which would otherwise be forgotten in the faded memory of our minds, they reflect for generations to come the love, joy and hope that were your footprints in the sands of time, even if others do not appreciate the exercise. It is a great gift to give to yourself and your family, the gift of memories.

I received from Jane Graff the "10 Commandments of Christmas Letters," and felt you would appreciate reading these commandments. #1: Keep it short! More than what fits comfortable on an 8x11 sheet probably will get laid aside to be read after the holidays, if at all. #2: Present an overall approach to the year, rather than a daily diary, much of which could be considered...who cares. #3: The intermingling to joyous and sad events, takes skill. And while these are part of life, the ongoing theme of joy and hope should come through. #4: Since this is used as a means of communications on an annual basis, bringing people up to date is part of the task. Going back through plowed ground in great detail is not needed or appropriate. Phone calls or further correspondence can be directed to or from people who are interested in knowing all about it. #5: Depending on the number of children and their ages, information on each should range from brief to none. If the children are interested in keeping in touch with relatives, they will do their own epistle. #6: The reason for the season is the focus of the exercise. Thanks be to God that Christmas comes whether we are ready or not, but that it comes once a year is important in keeping the address book current. #7: Some wait, sending only to people who write to them. However, I feel that every friend I have is worth the price of a stamp. It is good to get letters out so that cards coming back carry news and information about what is going on in their lives. #8: The understatement is always the password when describing the accounts of brag items - certainly noteworthy and needed, the wording about awards or events should be tastefully done. #9: Room for a short personal note is also a thoughtful consideration. The unsigned, photo copied letter may be viewed by some much as a card with only an insscribed name, asking about specific events or happenings in their lives invites a long term two way communication. #10: Keep a complete file of your Christmas epistles for the records, even if some look upon this exercise with a certain amount of humor or even disdain, it is for you and your family. The Chronicles of your children or grandchildren, along with Candid snapshots through the years, provide a unique glimpse into their heritage. Thanks, Jane for those 10 Commandments.

These 10 Commandments of Christmas Epistles will be appreciated by many of the Warm Thoughts readers who write those great, informative, scholarly, and precious Christmas Epistles.

Warm Thoughts from the Little Home on the Prairie Over a Cup of Tea by Dr. Luetta G. Werner

Published in The Marion Record, December 10th, 1998

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Till next time,

Trina