Those "family" bragging Christmas newsletters

[Becky2005]

I'm glad I'm not in some of your families! My family is spread out literally from coast to coast. Unfortunately, I sometimes go a few years without seeing some of them.

I get chastized if I were to send Christmas cards out to my DH's aunts/uncles if I don't include a letter saying what all has been going on in the year along with the kid's pictures. They live in another state and the only time we catch up with what is going on is in the Christmas cards. Of course, I don't have a general letter, I hand write each letter individually to each person, so it takes me forever.

If I just send a card with my name signed, I would get a card back with a "what are you guys up to?" and to write more, etc...

Then again, I remember reading complaints here about people who send out Christmas cards and just sign their names, so you can't win.

I could just do like my mom..she just doesn't bother ever sending out Christmas cards. She never did when we were younger and still doesn't.

If I already know everything that is going on with someone, then it really doesn't matter if I get a Christmas card. Now...the people I don't see often, I like getting a general update which is how I saw the OP's card she got.

 

[mum4jenn]

And really, that letter's not that bad. I'm sure your family appreciates you putting on the Disney board, complete with names, for all to see.

If you go back and re-read you will see that I wrote that names were changed to protect the innocent. And that was NOT an edit...I changed the names as I wrote it. Besides these busy busy people do not have time for such things as being on a message board.

 

[SharpMomOfTwo]

If you go back and re-read you will see that I wrote that names were changed to protect the innocent. And that was NOT an edit...I changed the names as I wrote it. Besides these busy busy people do not have time for such things as being on a message board.

So you think.... mwahmwahmwahmwah

 

[scottishduffy]

The only letters that bug me are the ones that are obviously falsified or trying to gloss over their life to make it prettier.

Examples: (My family is *great* at spin)
--- Damian graduated high school this year! He decided to take a year off in order to travel and has volunteered to be part of a youth empowerment program in order to better prepare for a great college career at a top university next year!

TRANSLATION: This cousin barely graduated from high school when his parents realized he had a meth problem. The youth empowerment program program is a rehab he got forced into attending and the top university is the best community college they have in their little town! Okay, maybe you don't want to say exactly what is going on but don't LIE.

--- Carrie excels in school in the 3rd grade. Her teacher says she has advanced language skills and she is frequently known to help teach other children in the class. She was also selected to be part of a special program at school due to her skills. We are soooo proud!

TRANSLATION: Little Carrie cusses like a sailor. he teacher says she has never heard such language from a child so young and is upset because other children are now learning these words and taking them home. She is now going to a counselor within the school to help with her poor behavior.


They can spin any divorce or really anything into something special.

According to my own mother my hubby got a big promotion this year (I'm so proud of him, i had NO idea) and I am a straight A student and the TOP of my class. (Sent more than a week before grades come out, and I'm only in my first semester of my program). Gotta love them...

Mr brothers letter is mainly preaching the joys of solar panels and cloth diapers but at least is honest.

 

[goofyernmost]

I don't really mind the "bragging" letters because, if it is all true they have informed everyone what has happened. If your kid makes the team, what's wrong with telling people that. If one is interested in the family, they would want to know.

What I object to is the one that I get every year from some friends from college. It seems that no matter what happens they somehow manage to make it sound like a disaster. Last year business was bad and they had to lay people off (certainly that wasn't pleasant) this year all their competition folded and they are the only business in town that provides the service they provide. Guess what...that was just awful because now they have to work all kinds of hours until they can get staffed and trained. So is it good news or bad news? It sounded pretty bad, like they never get home, etc. If it was a one time thing it wouldn't bother me but every year for the past 20 I get one of those letters and I almost want to send them a care package.

 

[FinallyBoughtDVC]

I actually received a brag letter from a neighbor that included the following (and I'm paraphrasing)...

"And beatiful Kitty scored in the 99.9 percentile on her 4th grade standardized tests."

Seriously? Who gives a crap?

I got so sick of all the letters I was getting, I started writing a spoof one and sending it out. It was hysterical. I made fun of everyone and everything. I haven't had time to do them these past few years...but, it got to the point that friends and family would email stories to me over the course of the year about other friends and family so they could be included. It was always a holiday hit. Funny times.

I do love to be updated on what's going on in people's lives..but, some people really go over the top. I don't need IQ or standardized test percentiles. It's a wee bit over the top.

 

[KSchwagg86]

I actually received a brag letter from a neighbor that included the following (and I'm paraphrasing)...

"And beatiful Kitty scored in the 99.9 percentile on her 4th grade standardized tests."

Seriously? Who gives a crap?

I got so sick of all the letters I was getting, I started writing a spoof one and sending it out. It was hysterical. I made fun of everyone and everything. I haven't had time to do them these past few years...but, it got to the point that friends and family would email stories to me over the course of the year about other friends and family so they could be included. It was always a holiday hit. Funny times.

I do love to be updated on what's going on in people's lives..but, some people really go over the top. I don't need IQ or standardized test percentiles. It's a wee bit over the top.

That is awesome-my dad is going to do that one of these years BECAUSE-we get BRAG letters. There is a difference between keeping people updated and BRAG letters people. The former is fine and possible to do. But most people just turn it into a brag letter and no one cares about any of that stuff.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I guess I'm no one. I find that kind of stuff interesting actually. I don't mind if my friends or relatives include grades, percentile scores, whatever. They are proud of the accomplishments of their family, and I like to read about it. I would only mind it if they made a comment like "little Jimmy is smarter than all his cousins' or something like that, I have never seen that. Guess that's just me.

 

[elizke]

I'm not big on them either.

My mom used to joke about the one we'd send out if we sent one. There were quite a few troublemakers in our 8-child family through the years, especially in the 70's, and many years it would have read something like this..

Julie's divorce is final this month, and we are all so happy for her! Little Gerald spent two nights in jail in August, and apparently still has not learned his lesson as he did not come home last night, the little rascal! We are enjoying our new Datsun after Bobbie totaled the old one, and Susie had a baby and quickie wedding in September and is now living back at home. Never a dull moment for the O'Briens! Merry Christmas!

Please note: All names have been changed to protect myself.

 

[5lilfish]

For the most part, I enjoy reading updates from family and friends. I like the updates.

The only letters that kind of make me laugh are the ones that are just dripping with crap (either braggin out of control or lies). I got one from a neighbor (now, I see these people all the time), and she said things like..."but most of all Sarah enjoys spending time with her family" and "but Jill's best friend is her big sister Sarah." As I said, I see these kids all the time (same age as my kids) and they are great kids...but they are normal kids and Jill and Sarah would, like any normal kid their age, just assume play with friends than with each other and they would not list their #1 favorite thing as "spending time with family." This letter also went on and on abot how each child was composing their own piece of music and such things....which, oddly, may have been true because their Mom literally forced them to do so....she's very nice but a tiny bit over-the-top.

Jess

 

[magicalfoursome]

The Christmas brag letter- I know the kind that puts on this "aren't we just the perfect family" and "look all that we have accomplished". There is nothing wrong with personalizing a note to friends and family but some are truly out of control. I have a cousin who sends one every year. Her big thing is tell us of the many vacations she has taken over the past year. Her letter reads like a travel itinerary with destinations and time spent in each locale. She even included where she is going in 2009, including a 30 day cruise and a trip to the Orient. I love my cousin and I am very happy that she and her husband enjoy life and take so many trips but I do not get it -- I do not feel the need to tell everyone about my vacation plans-- (which often include WDW!) I would just rather hear that everyone is well and I love receiving photos and seeing everyone -- especially the kids because they grow up so fast. I just think the bragging is tacky.

 

[dbarker]

We got one from DSIL. DH saw it first, saw what it was and just crumpled it and threw it in the trash. He didn't even read it. I didn't get a chance to read it. (Didn't want to either).

DSIL has the "favorite" grandchild. We all live in the same city. DH works for FIL, so we are kept up to date on all of "favorite's" accomplishments throughouth the year. All I can say about the letter is

 

[denisem]

Reminds me of an ex-SIL's letter years back (I heard it through the grapevine).

"TODD (names have been changed to protect the not-so-innocent) is doing well and continues to "find" himself".

Translation: "Todd" is in prison. (Lest I sound snarky, "Todd" had family support and good advice during his previous "indiscretions". Didn't help.)

Anyhow, I don't think this is a reflection on ALL Christmas letters. I enjoy hearing from people and well-earned good tidings - it's just SOME letters are over-the-top on "spin" when everyone knows better.

 

[Disneyland1084]

I don't mind the letter posted by the OP... it's brief and to the point. I dislike letters that go on for several paragraphs with the bragging. And I dislike bragging letters that I know deviate from the truth... a la: "DD is doing great (in prison); DS and DIL are well (currently getting a divorce); etc..."

Your post made me laugh.

 

[wilderness01]

We love getting letters updating us from our friends that live across the country. I guess if you don't like them it is simple, as soon as you open the card with the letter, put the letter aside and don't read it.

 

[travelmel]

Here's the problem. My daughter is failing math. I'm not going to write a letter updating people about it!

I think the letters feel like brag letters because mainly people only hit the highlights of the good for the most part. Yes, sometimes people share challenges or deaths or bad times but essentially you're there to discuss your strengths as a family.

With that said, it can make a non "Salutorian" family feel a little bit underwhelmed with their own childrens success and/or failures.

We've had 2 Salutorian family letters this year!

*sigh*

The letters certainly can sound like resume's if they're not written well. I had one today that was hysterical and humble with just enough brag scattered through. It was very enjoyable.

I'm a picture person. I send enough pictures to drown the pope. THat's not a saying, I realize, but you get the idea. So, consequently, my letters are non existant as people are stuck viewing my life quarterly.

To each their own!

 

[Vijoge]

I received a letter detailing the daughter's "stress-related acne" and the daughter in question is in her late thirties. "Jane hates her new job" is fine, but "Jane has huge zits" is must be embarrassing for Jane.

 

[Costumesaremylife]

I was online talking to my friend Bill and he mentioned he was workign on the christmas letter. So fast forward two weeks and I get my christmas card, no letter. Our other friend (whom I see more) said,"I got my christmas card in the mail from Bill and his wife. Haven't looked at the letter though."

So they sent out the letter, I know about the letter and yet I didn't get one. I'm sure it was a bunch of blah blah, but still.

 

[Ephany]

I was online talking to my friend Bill and he mentioned he was workign on the christmas letter. So fast forward two weeks and I get my christmas card, no letter. Our other friend (whom I see more) said,"I got my christmas card in the mail from Bill and his wife. Haven't looked at the letter though."

So they sent out the letter, I know about the letter and yet I didn't get one. I'm sure it was a bunch of blah blah, but still.

My MIL sends out the letter every year; we're in said letter, but don't actually receive the letter. I have to call my mom to find out what's been written about us. It's never wrong per se, but it's not right either. Things are definitely skewed in the positive direction.

 

[disykat]

So they sent out the letter, I know about the letter and yet I didn't get one. I'm sure it was a bunch of blah blah, but still.

I send a letter, but I don't send it to people I communicate with regularly. Why would I? I send it to my relatives and friends I see rarely because of distance but want to keep in contact with. I did send it to a friend one year that only lives an hour away. She realized I was writing one and requested it. I haven't sent it to her again though. I see her several times a year, she doesn't need the letter.

I don't think I brag, but then again I didn't know some people might think the fact that my kids go to school and that we have jobs is bragging!