• Watch for overuse of jargon. If you find yourself wanting to use overly common expressions or to put phrases in quotes (things like "Supermom" or "Mommy's Little Helper") look for another way to say it.
• Personalize it. On the front of your newsletter, try creating a family holiday scene using cut-out photos of each family member. Draw empty "caption bubbles" (like those used for comic strips) above each person's head. Then color copy your page. Now go back and add captions for each individual newsletter. After all, the captions you'd use for Great Aunt Susie's letter might not be the same as those you'd send to your old college pals. And your recipients will love knowing you've personalized the captions just for them.
• Leave room for a hand-written note. Writing just an extra sentence or two, near your signature, is a nice touch.
• Add a little extra holiday cheer. Try using ribbon or string to close the newsletter. Use rubber stamps or stickers to add a message or to decorate the envelope or the margins of your letter. (Kids love to help with this part.) Or punch out shapes on the corners of the pages. Use the punched pieces for confetti for the inside. Use glitter glue on the front page or the envelope for extra sparkle.
Kathy Sena is a freelance journalist who loves to receive holiday letters. Visit her Website at www.kathysena.com.
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