Your Family Christmas Letter Sucks
Published December 19, 2003
Our family was very busy with trips this year: Jeff and I enjoyed a trip to Chicago and had great fun. The subway was very cheap entertainment, except the part where I gave Mike's leftover pizza away to a hungry-looking disheveled man! (The disheveled man probably hated you with your self-righteous "nobility.") We have a trip to San Diego planned for Feb '04. Our family went to Hershey and Gettysbury; spent the 4th of july at Lake Michigan (the girls even rode the firetruck in the town parade!!) (I pray for a tragic accident with a clown car or a tuba player, but it never happens.) And then took our first family trip to FLA in November. It was the first flight for both Christine and Donna and they had a blast!! Other passengers even commented how well-behaved our kids were! (This is completely unnecessary. Aren't they supposed to behave themselves?) Enjoyed their first ocean frolic too!! We were even able to see a dolphin and manatees in the wild which was a treat. ("Did I mention that we are worldly and in touch with nature?") I severely sprained my foot 3 days before we left MI so I spent the trip in a walking cast - we sure got good parking spaces!! (Failed humor attempt) I'd rather be somewhat handicapped in warm Florida than fit-as-a-fiddle in Michigan! (Fit as a fiddle? Who the hell talks like that?) The girls and I thought it was "way cool" to be able to SWIM in November! (I bet it was "way cool." Or maybe groovy?)
I was also tickled to catch up with a friend with whom I grew up. He and I were neighbors for many years growing up and we hadn't seen each other in nearly 20 years. I got in touch with him last year after I decided that rather than wonder what happened to folks with whom I'd lost touch, I'd actually do something about it! ("Somehow I fit it into my busy schedule checking kids heads for lice!") I've been able to reconnect with several long-lost folks - it is truly as if time has stood still. If you have someone about whom you wonder, find them and just call!! It is a wonderful feeling!! (I wouldn't take your advice if I was drowning in quicksand and you pointed to a rope.)
Again, we find ourselves blessed with good health, a beautiful family, a new church, precious friendships and I'm considering spending Christmas day serving food at the local mission. What better way to share the pure magic of this most blessed season??? ("What would Jesus do? That's what I ask myself every single day.") So many have so much less than we. I think of our troops, those struggling with illness, or simply those who are along and thank God for all we have. (Like Miss America you pull the "world peace" card? Stop it now.) If you are ever in our area, please let us know!! Please keep in touch. We are grateful for the blessing of your presence in our lives!! Being DEAR doesn't have to mean being NEAR!! All the best to you in 2004!!
- Your Family Christmas Letter Sucks
- Published: December 19, 2003
- Type:
- Section: Culture
- Filed Under: Culture: Humor and Satire
- Writer: Craig Lyndall
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Comments
Craig, thank you for voicing the thoughts of us "little people" whose life events are of such insignificance that we have nothing to even write about. I've gotten a few of these in the past and no matter how close the friend, yours are the thoughts that ran through my head. Isn't it interesting that it's only the people who've had all the luck in the world who send out these letters. The rest of us know better. "Well, pa was laid off again and lost the house. He moved in with us, then found out he had cancer. The big summer storms knocked the roof clean off our house and it was only then we found out our insurance wouldn't cover it. We're living out of the Motel 6 by the airport now. It's nice, as long as you make sure your feet are covered at all times." Hmm, nevermind, it would probably be more interesting that way, wouldn't it?
Outstanding work, CL! This fisking was long overdue, and will help put me in the holiday mood.
Classic Duane. I like yours, but as scary as it is, mine is real. This was an actual Christmas letter that somebody actually sent to another human. Still, though, great work man.
I'd rather read something like Mr. Robinson's Neighborhood's Christmas Card.
I hate horses, and I'd be willing to bet they went to Gettysburg rather than Gettysbury.
What a fucking nightmare for everyone who received this letter.
Maybe you could turn it into a horror movie script. The letter arrives in the mail. If you read it, you find that the last line says "You have seven days to live." Wait... that sounds vaguely familiar...hmm...It could be called "The Star," because just before you die by having a Christmas tree shoved up your ass, you see the little star on top of the tree.
oh my god, i know a woman who does the same type of letter each year telling about every thing each kid has done the past year. while reading her letter you just say oh my god and roll your eyes. it just makes you throw the letter, photo and envelope in the fireplace fast. it is just too much, who gives a crap about all the stuff going on about people you don't even know . take me off your christmas list please.
Pancreus???









Dear Craig,
Well, here we are, another year has come and gone. Where does the time go for goodness sakes? I bet you are wondering what me and mine have been up to since last year's family letter, well, let me tell you, we have been BUSY, BUSY, BUSY!!! If only there were two of me!! Molly and I have spent a good deal of our preshus time putting in a new patio and a screen to keep out those pesky bugs. It's our pride and joy!! Molly sprained her wrist trying to lift a sack of cement, but the doctors say that she's going to be just fine, praise the Lord, and she'll be able to go back to her autoharp. Her music is such a joy, specially during the holidays! I just got back from a big trip up to Redding. My goodness, how that place has grown!! They have an Olive Garden and a Wal-Mart, and just about every other modern convenience you can imagine!! But Big City life is just too hectic for me. I'll leave that for the jet set!! I'm happy with the simple things, and isn't the holiday season the time to express our appreciation for the simple joys in life? My pancreus "problem" flared up again last Spring, but the Doctor says I'll live, hahaha! Got word from Emmy that her husband Joe has been approved to collect unemployment, and I guess God has answered our prayers again. Emmy's boy Budge had some good news, too. The decision to expel him on account of lighting the bleachers on fire has been reversed for lack of evidence. That boy has so much energy, and looks just like Joe!! Well, in the mean time, Emmy has been busy building up her VHS collection of old time TV shows. Her favorites are The Waltons and Little House on the Prairie. That Jimboy tickles her pink! She's the busy one, let me tell you!! Well, I better be signing off for now. Best to you and yours. May you have the happiest of Holidays!!!
Best Wishes
Duane