(12/14/13) It’s that time of year again! The time for the year in review Christmas form letter. It’s always touching when our relatives treat us like customers. Typically these form letters take one of two directions. The first and most typical is the ‘What a wonderful year we had!’
“Dear ____________, 2013 was a wonderful year for my family. I started a new job six figure job, and my wife was promoted to president of her company. The kids are doing well. Johnny aced the S.A.T., didn’t miss a question! He’s now been accepted into a Ph.D program at Harvard even though he’s only 14. Susie was named Miss Junior America and will be touring the country speaking out against make up companies testing lip gloss on kittens. The picture on the front of the card is the new Bentley we got after winning the lottery.
The best course of action the next time you see these relatives is a swift, stunning punch to the forehead that will cause them to spill nog all over their tacky sweater and leave a mark on their forehead. They deserve this because either they are lying about how fantastic their life is, or if their life is that great then the bruise on their forehead will remind them that life is tough and they shouldn’t get too cocky.
The second kind of Christmas letter is my favorite. It’s the disaster letter. These are the people who make you feel so much better about yourself and your life.
“Hello everyone, it is with a heavy heart that we wish you Season’s Greetings. Sadly our twenty-seven year old cocker spaniel passed away last week. He was delicious. In more upbeat news from our family it has been a year of triumphs! Little Johnny learned to poop indoors and that rash on Susie’s face cleared up. As soon as Obamacare kicks in we’ll get her lazy eye looked at. Home schooling is going well and they both are on track to graduate by the time they’re 21. We’re so proud! Once Trevor finds a job we’ll buy some train tickets and come visit! The best course of action with these relatives is to tell them you’re moving and you’ll forward them the address as soon as you get settled.
I would just like to note that neither of the pictures in this post are from my family. If I were to write a form Christmas letter to anyone reading this it might read:
Thank you to anyone who has read The Phil Factor even once. It’s been an amazing year for me thanks to all of you. Since I published my first book at the end of 2012 (and re-published it 8 months later) I’ve learned a lot about being an “indie author” and I’ve felt wonderfully supported the whole way thanks to the kindness of strangers I’ve met through the internet. Thank you to those who have read one of my books and those who clicked Like or shared my weekly Phil Factor as well as those that have helped by giving of their knowledge. I’d also like to thank the other authors who have allowed me to interview them for The Phil Factor. Regardless of what religion or holiday you may be celebrating this season, thank you for every little click you’ve directed at me in some way.
As always, Happy Saturday, and if you enjoy #ThePhilFactor please feel free to share by hitting the Facebook or Twitter share buttons below.
This is hilarious! I’m new to your blog, so super happy to find you. I will direct more clicks toward you from this point forward!
Hi Dr. Meg! It’s nice to meet you. I’m heading over to your blog right now!
Wonderful! Thanks so much for connecting!
Love when these Throwbacks come my way
Remember this one form back in the day
Only one thing I have to say
It seems it is not Saturday.
I think your addiction to rhyme will take its toll in time (or maybe thyme?)
I that would be the consequence
I’ll join Rhymers Anonymous.
I think for you Rhymers anonymous should be eponymous
Marissa, I don’t click Like on each of your rhyming replies, but I like every one of them. You are d*mn good.
Thank you kindly!
You are most welcome!
The two middle photos look like inserts for a pedophilia magazine.
Don’t head over to my blog cause I’ve been following you for a while and my stuff cannot compare. Loved the letters and will use the first one (with your permission of course.)
You’re going to send the letter to family?
And of course I’m going right over to your blog!
With my sieve-like memory, don’t know if I caught this first time ’round, but it was really good this time. Those letters! Make sure you’re standing next to an empty stocking when reading one, ’cause something’s gotta catch the spew.
Now THAT’s how you write a letter 🙂 It’s been a pleasure visiting and enjoying your blog Phil ^_^ I hope and pray for even “amazing-er” things for you the coming year! 😀
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays dear 🙂
Thank you so much. I appreciate your reading and commenting tremendously. Happy Holidays to you and yours as well.
Thank you so much Phil <3