How to start the annual newsletter.

[lizwizz]

I'm just trying to compose the annual newsletter we send to friends and family we don't get to see, but my literary skills have deserted me. I normally start with something really boring like, "Its hard to believe another year has gone by etc etc". Can anyone start me off with the first line please? Something a bit more interesting than my offering. Thanks

[sophieyk2]

Personally, I don't like newsletters. Someone used to send me one with a card and I found the way it was written was in 3rd tense if you understand me. Anyway, instead of starting by saying how quick the year has gone, which it has by the way. Why not start by saying ' First, of all, let me start by wishing you a very Merry Christmas. I hope the year gone by has been all that you wished for'. Then give them your news and round off by wishing them a Happy New Year. Have you joined Facebook - it is a brilliant way to keep in touch with all friends & family as long as they join too. You can keep in touch with someone up the road or across the other side of the world.

[Ethel]

I loathe these round robins - totally impersonal to the the recipient.

However, sophie's suggestion is a good one.

[sweetpea...!]

Surely if these friends and family aren't important enough to you, to be told of events as they happen throughout the year, what makes you think they'll be interested in December?
Unless they send you an annual newsletter I shouldn't bother.

[echokilo]

Lizwizz didn't ask us if she should send a newsletter, or whether we like them - she simply asked if someone could suggest a way to begin this year's ..... honestly, why does everyone fell the need to pass judgement?

Lizwizz: How about setting it out like the front page of a newspaper (some great templates on lin or in Word) and have an actual headline introducing the biggest news of the year? You can format it in columns, add photos etc.... you could even include a retorspective horoscopes column, using the month/star sign headings to bulletin point the smaller bits of news........ good luck.
x

[lizwizz]

Thank you, especially echokilo. I know a lot of people don't like newsletters and we resisted them for a time, but I love to hear other people's news too. I'm not a great letter writer and we have a lot of friends scattered around the country, who we don't see from one year to the next. Its not that they're not important, but they aren't as important as the ones we do keep in touch with. Anyway, I'm not hear to justify it, but it works for us and those who receive them appear to like them, so whats the problem?
Thanks for all your suggestions.

[echokilo]

Good for you Lizwizz .... and good luck with your newsletter x