The Christmas Letter I Would Enjoy Reading

Every year I spend time filling out Christmas cards, adding pictures of the kids, and including a little update on our family.  I will do the same again this year, as there are friends far away that we don't get to see often enough, and don't have Facebook (I know, weird), so we like to bring them up to speed, as well as hear what is happening with them.  I enjoy receiving Christmas cards, pictures, and letters this time of year.  It is all part of the warm, fuzzy feeling of the season (or perhaps that's the eggnog...).  Today, it crossed my mind, as I was working on a rough draft of our Christmas update, that no one ever writes the letter that seems "real," and would make me feel better about my life.  So, I've decided to give you my rendition of the Christmas letter that I would LOVE to read in someone's card.

Dear Friends & Family,

I realize that it is January 16th, and Christmas is over, but this is the first opportunity I've had to sit down and write this letter.  Christmas was such a blur of chaos, over-spending, high expectations, and a foreclosure on our home.

We are now living in the in-laws basement, but even though they don't say it, I am pretty sure they're glad we're here.  We were hopeful that Power Ball would've come through for us, but we all know that didn't happen.  

Here's an update on the kids:

Ralph Jr. - He's 17 now and full of himself.  He thinks he knows more than us, but his parole officer doesn't agree.  He works part-time at the burger joint, that is if he decides to get out of bed and get there on time.  We are hopeful that his ankle bracelet can come off before graduation, and that this is the last time he'll have to wear one.  We thought he would've learned his lesson the first two times.

Sissy - She's 13 and a real gem.  We have all decided that black really is her color, and the spiked bracelets are helpful for self defense.  Her band practices in the garage, and we're pretty sure the screaming from the neighbors is a good sign that they're improving.  

Bobby - He's 9 now.  His love of fire and reptiles has proven to be a real asset to our family.  We think he has a future with the fire department or perhaps on the Animal Planet.  

Betty-Lou - Our baby is now 3.  We all think she has recovered nicely after the WalMart "incident" of accidentally leaving her in the cereal aisle.  I really think the officer went easy on me, and for that I am grateful.  

Our family may not be perfect, but we're trying, and most days there's a lot of love to go around.  We hope you had a nice Christmas, and that the New Year finds you well, and not in prison.  

Sincerely, 

The Shimanskis 

Click the link below to view my favorite "Christmas Letter" song of all time.  :)

Garfunkel and Oates "Christmas Letter"