Tuesday, December 9, 2008

PSA: About those Christmas brag-o-grams

...also known as "family updates," often included in holiday cards. I have no problem with them, theoretically. In fact, I enjoy hearing about Janie's interest in soccer, your trip to Disneyworld, or the birth of Little Snookums. I do. Especially when your family lives far away.

But. Perhaps this isn't the year to go on an on about the new 40 foot boat, or your husband's huge promotion, or all the time you are spending at your third country house. All that's nice and all, and I'm glad you are having a great time.

Just, you know, tone it down a little this year. And maybe pick up a newspaper.

17 comments:

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Wendy, This cracked me up! I have good friends who just bought a "vacation home" in Costa Rica. Can you say 7,500 square feet, beachfront property w/a disappearing edge pool? They're in the oil and gas business and they're, and I quote, "having a really tough time right now." Oh, really? Do you suppose you could have held off on the 2nd mansion purchase? (Their first "house" is close to 10,000 square feet in the suburbs of Denver.) Like you said, could you maybe pick up a newspaper?

Janna Leadbetter said...

Some people.

Joanne said...

Really, how can anyone not be aware of the difficulties going on? I couldn't imagine being that insensitive in these times.

Spy Scribbler said...

Well, at least you know who to ask for money, now.

:-)

Angie Ledbetter said...

LOL. What a perfect name you've given those holiday notes.

WendyCinNYC said...

My post sounds snarkier than I intended. I'm glad SOMEONE is out there spending money--our economy needs it for sure. Just maybe don't send a mass mailing about it!

Kristina said...

I debated sending out a newsletter for the first time, wondering if far-flung family haven't heard yet about my book, but you know? It just seemed TACKY. Especially right now.

WendyCinNYC said...

Kristina--I don't think that would be tacky. I actually *would* like to hear good news from friends who live far away. It's the conspicuious consumption that comes off as tacky right now.

I say send the good news--especially when your book comes out!

Nice new website, by the way!

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Wendy, I love Spy's suggestion. :) I also enjoy reading the letters as long as they aren't bragging. No one wants to feel guilty/angry/whatever that they aren't "keeping up." Or feel that the sender is trying to compete.

Anonymous said...

Ha! Too funny. I guess we're all lucky Christmas brag-o-grams only come once a year.

ChristaCarol Jones said...

I use to get these from my distant grandparents who have nothing to do with my life and never call unless it's to tell me about something going on in their life. They stopped sending them a few years ago.

We're on a totally low budget Christmas this year but, strangely, the tree is full of presents. I think I just bought a bunch of inexpensive yet hopefully thoughtful stuff lol.

Anonymous said...

Man, I want to be with you guys on this one. I really do. But, alas, I'm the odd woman out. As always.

WendyCinNYC said...

That's okay, AC. We still love you.

Anonymous said...

:-)

Daniel Bell said...

Christmas family update: Still have a family. Most of them don't hate me--not really. Some are sort of perpetually pissed, I guess. I am still unemployed, so the economic crisis hasn't had too much of an impact on my non-income. On the upside, I'm writing! Downside, no one with a checkbook cares.

Other news: Dog got crushed by a pickup. Got new dog who thinks any newspaper anywhere is for her business. Good news, decided it's finally time to date again. Bad news, no single women I know have concluded that's a good thing.

I have decided to put off my purchase of a vacation home until I have the wherewithal to purchase first home.

Merry Christmas to all--especially those with the courage to splash their blood and souls across a page and pray someone likes it.

jeffsnewmotorcycle.com

WendyCinNYC said...

So sorry about your dog, Daniel. I hope 2009 is a good year for all.

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