A while ago, I faulted the annual letter that some folks send to update their friends and relatives about the year they experienced. Several people explained that they like receiving an annual letter from relatives and friends because it helps them stay in touch. My argument was not with the idea of an annual letter. I am all for sharing our lives. I disparaged the annual missive for two reasons. First, the annual letters/emails I receive are generic. Second, they do not include either negative happenings or the mundane. Certainly, people suffer from diseases, economic set backs, and painful emotional situations. Our daily circumstances constitute the bulk of our lives. However, annual letters that I receive are perpetually joyful...like receiving Christmas tree news. I am tempted to respond with my own year in review that would read something like:

Dear [insert recipient's name], I am writing especially to let you know what occur ed this year with our family. Our oldest entered [insert name of prestigious, Ivy League college]. He also won the [insert name of prestigious award], achieved outstanding grades, played several instruments, and avoided acne. Our other children, unfortunately, are TV-watching, game- playing slackers. In all modesty, our family contributed toward solving world hunger this year by again overeating. We also watched TV, microwaved frozen dinners, and tried to finish cross word puzzles. [Insert recipient's name], I am sure you and your family are also doing well. If not, please do not ruin our holiday season by sharing negative news. We will write again next year with another cheery, annual letter. Toodles.

I don't actually respond. Mostly because the brief pleasure I would experience would not justify the meanness. I much prefer receiving a holiday card that contains a brief message that wishes us good tidings. "Hi, I am thinking of you this holiday. Bye."