Looking for a fun way to spread holiday cheer while keeping your loved ones updated on the year’s events? Why not try sending out a family holiday letter? This beloved tradition has been popular for decades and can be a fantastic way to connect with family and friends who are far away.
The best part? Writing and sending a family holiday letter can be a breeze, thanks to the wealth of examples and editing tools available online. With just a little creativity, anyone can craft a heartfelt, informative letter that captures the year’s most memorable moments.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, there are plenty of resources available to help you create a holiday letter that will have your recipients smiling from ear to ear. From funny anecdotes to heartfelt stories, the possibilities are endless.
So why not join in the fun and send out a family holiday letter this year? With the right tools and a little bit of creativity, you’ll be well on your way to creating a meaningful and unforgettable letter that your loved ones will cherish for years to come.
The Best Structure for a Family Holiday Letter
With the holiday season upon us, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the past year and share updates with family and friends through a holiday letter. However, coming up with the perfect structure for your letter can be a challenge. In this post, we’ll share the best structure for a family holiday letter that will keep your readers engaged and entertained, all while showcasing your family’s unique personality and accomplishments.
Start with a Personalized Greeting
Begin your holiday letter with a personalized greeting that acknowledges the recipient and sets a warm tone for your letter. Make sure to include all members of your family and address each recipient by name if possible. For example, “Dear John and Mary,” or “To our beloved family and friends:
Highlight the Most Significant Events and Accomplishments of the Year
After your greeting, launch straight into the most significant events and accomplishments of your year. Be sure to keep the tone positive and upbeat, and avoid dwelling on any negative events. Highlight your family’s notable achievements, such as job promotions, academic accomplishments, graduations, or any other significant milestones. Don’t forget to include any fun trips or events you participated in throughout the year as well.
Showcase Your Family’s Personality and Sense of Humor
Family holiday letters work best when they showcase the unique personality and humor of your family. Don’t be afraid to include funny anecdotes or amusing stories of family escapades. Share any quirky traditions or customs your family practices during the holiday season. This will help your readers connect more deeply with your family and feel a part of your celebrations.
Wrap Up with a Heartfelt Message and Warm Closing
Finally, wrap up your letter with a heartfelt message that expresses your love and appreciation for your family and friends. Let them know they are an essential part of your lives and that you are grateful for their presence. End your letter with a warm closing such as “Happy Holidays,” “Wishing you all the best for a joyful new year,” or any other suitable closing to round off your letter.
In conclusion, crafting a memorable family holiday letter requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following the above-given structure, you can create a letter that is engaging, interesting, and reflective of your family’s unique personality and accomplishments. Happy writing, and happy holidays!
7 Sample Family Holiday Letters
Sample 1: Family Ski Trip Holiday Letter
Dear Friends and Family,
We wanted to share with you our amazing family ski trip to Lake Tahoe this year. The mountains were stunningly beautiful with fresh snow, and we had a great time skiing and snowboarding as a family. The kids loved the ski school and the hot chocolate breaks, and we enjoyed the peacefulness of the mountains. During the evenings, we relaxed in our cozy cabin and played board games while drinking hot cocoa by the fire. Overall, it was a wonderful trip filled with fun and relaxation.
Wishing you happy holidays and a great New Year!
Best regards,
Sample 2: Beach Vacation Holiday Letter
Dear Friends and Family,
We hope this holiday letter finds you well. We wanted to share with you our fantastic beach vacation to Hawaii this year. The sun, sand and surf were exactly what we needed to recharge our batteries. We spent our days relaxing on the beach, snorkeling and surfing. During the evenings, we enjoyed delicious local cuisine and watched the beautiful sunsets. The kids also had a great time playing in the water and building sandcastles. It was a perfect getaway for our family, and we highly recommend it!
Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Sample 3: Family Road Trip Holiday Letter
Dear Friends and Family,
We wanted to share with you our incredible family road trip to the Grand Canyon this year. We drove through several states and had an amazing time exploring different towns and attractions along the way. Once we arrived at the Grand Canyon, we were in awe of the natural beauty and breathtaking views. We went on hikes, bike rides and sightseeing tours. The kids had a great time spotting wildlife and learning about the canyon’s history. It was a trip filled with adventure and memories that we will always cherish.
Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year!
Warmly,
Sample 4: Christmas Market Holiday Letter
Dear Friends and Family,
We wanted to share with you our magical holiday trip to Europe this year. We visited several cities and enjoyed the festive atmosphere and Christmas markets. The lights, decorations and music made the experience truly memorable. We also tasted delicious local food and drinks and bought beautiful handcrafted gifts. The kids especially enjoyed seeing Santa Claus and the holiday shows. It was a wonderful trip that brought us closer as a family and filled us with the holiday spirit.
Wishing you happy holidays and a joyful New Year!
Fondly,
Sample 5: National Park Adventure Holiday Letter
Dear Friends and Family,
We hope you are enjoying the holiday season. We wanted to share with you our amazing family adventure to the Yellowstone National Park this year. We saw stunning landscapes and a variety of wildlife while hiking and geysers. The kids also enjoyed the Junior Ranger program and learning about the park’s history. We stayed in a cozy cabin and enjoyed stargazing at night. It was a trip filled with wonder and natural beauty that left us with lifelong memories.
Wishing you a happy holiday season and a wonderful New Year!
With warm regards,
Sample 6: Theme Park Holiday Letter
Dear Friends and Family,
We wanted to share with you our thrill-seeking family trip to the Universal Orlando Resort this year. We had a blast riding roller coasters and experiencing the famous attractions. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was a particular highlight for us. We also enjoyed the delicious food and the beautiful decorations. The kids had a great time meeting their favorite characters and playing in the water park. It was a fun and exciting trip that we highly recommend.
Wishing you happy holidays and a wonderful New Year!
Warmly,
Sample 7: Relaxing Staycation Holiday Letter
Dear Friends and Family,
We hope this holiday letter finds you well. We wanted to share with you our delightful staycation this year. Instead of leaving the city, we decided to stay at a local luxury hotel and take a break from our daily routines. We enjoyed the spa treatments, the fine dining and the comfortable bed. The kids also had a great time swimming in the pool and watching movies in the room. It was a peaceful and rejuvenating mini vacation that made us appreciate our city’s offerings.
Wishing you happy holidays and a prosperous New Year!
Sincerely,
Tips for Writing a Great Family Holiday Letter
Sharing news and highlights of your family’s year is a long-standing tradition during the holiday season. Whether you’re sending a letter or an electronic message, you want to make sure you present yourself and your family in the best possible way. Here are some tips for creating a memorable and engaging family holiday letter.
Start with a positive tone. A holiday letter should set a festive and cheerful mood right from the start. The opening paragraph is your opportunity to convey warmth and goodwill towards the recipient. Begin with a greeting that recognizes the occasion, and express your appreciation for their friendship and support throughout the year.
Example: “As the holiday season approaches, we find ourselves reflecting on all the blessings of the past year. We hope this letter finds you well, surrounded by family and friends, and enjoying this special time of year. We want to take a moment to express our gratitude for your ongoing support and kindness. “
Share meaningful updates. A family holiday letter should be personal and share something about your family’s year. You don’t need to include every detail of your life, but you want to make sure you’re giving the reader a glimpse into what makes your family unique. Focus on events, accomplishments, and milestones that are relevant and engaging. Avoid the temptation to brag or overshare, but don’t be afraid to highlight things you’re proud of.
Example: “This year has been a busy one for us! Our daughter started college and is absolutely thriving. Our son joined the football team and made several new friends. We took a family vacation to Hawaii and soaked up the sun and beach life. On a personal note, I finally achieved my goal of running a marathon, and my husband was promoted at work.”
Insert a personal touch. A family holiday letter is an opportunity to connect with people you care about on a deeper level. Including a personal message or sentiment adds an element of warmth and sincerity to your letter. This can be something as simple as a thank you or a heartfelt wish for the recipient’s well-being.
Example: “We know the holiday season can be a busy and stressful time, but we hope you take a moment to relax and enjoy it with loved ones. We also want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your friendship and the joy you bring to our lives.”
End on a high note. A strong concluding paragraph can leave a lasting impression and ensure your letter is memorable. End with a positive sentiment that inspires the recipient to think fondly of your family.
Example: “As we close out another year, we look forward to the new adventures and opportunities that await us. We wish you the best for the holiday season and the year ahead, and hope to see you soon.”
Proofread carefully. Before you hit send or mail your letter, take the time to proofread it carefully. Spelling and grammatical errors can detract from the message you’re trying to convey and make it harder for the reader to connect with you.
Example: “We’re so proud of our family’s accomplishments this year, and look forward to sharing more meaningful moments with all of you. We hope this letter finds you in good spirits and ready for the holiday season’s festivities.”
Family Holiday Letter Example FAQs
What is a family holiday letter?
A family holiday letter is a letter that families send out to friends and family during the holiday season. It typically includes updates on what the family has been up to over the past year, photos of the family, and well wishes for the recipient’s holiday season.
What should I include in my family holiday letter?
Your family holiday letter should include updates about the family’s activities, achievements, and accomplishments. It should also include photos of the family and well wishes for the recipient’s holiday season.
How do I format my family holiday letter?
Your family holiday letter should be easy to read, visually appealing, and informative. You can use a template or create your own design. Make sure to include your family’s highlights and milestones from the past year, as well as your well wishes for the holiday season.
What should I write in my family holiday letter if I’m on a budget?
If you’re on a budget, you can still send a meaningful family holiday letter. You can focus on the highlights of the past year, share personal anecdotes, and include photos of your family. You can also create a digital holiday letter instead of printing and sending a physical one.
How can I make my family holiday letter more personal?
To make your family holiday letter more personal, you can include personal anecdotes and highlights from your family’s year. You can also write a handwritten note at the end of the letter to each recipient, expressing your personal well wishes for them.
How can I make my family holiday letter stand out?
To make your family holiday letter stand out, you could include a creative design, use humor, or add a unique twist to the content. You can also include a special offer or gift for recipients to redeem during the holiday season, such as a discount on a family portrait session.
When is the best time to send out my family holiday letter?
The best time to send out your family holiday letter is typically the beginning of December, to allow plenty of time for the letter to arrive before the holiday season is over. However, you can also send out your letter anytime in December or even early January.
Well, that wraps up our family holiday letter example! We hope you enjoyed reading about our adventures and mishaps over the past year. Remember, the key to a great family holiday letter is to stay true to yourself and let your personality shine. Thanks for taking the time to read our letter and we hope you’ll come back to read more about our family later. Happy holidays!