Amen.

I don't understand how people can get so worked up over this. If they dislike them so much, isn't the obvious solution to simply not read them? It's not like the sender is standing over you forcing you to unfold that piece of paper. May that be the worst thing anyone has to be upset about...

Several times over this year (and on several Christmas cards I've gotten already), people told me that they love my Christmas letter and hope they never get taken off the list. I couldn't figure out where this was coming from until I remembered that I had mentioned in last year's letter that I'd heard a lot of complaints about such letters, and I pretty much made fun of those who made them.

I too like newsy holliday greetings. What's the point of a card with a signature? It just says "I'm still alive."

I too like newsy holiday greetings. What's the point of a card with only a signature? It just says "I'm still alive."

I like the letters too! It is fun to hear about how things have been going for people, especially if you haven't touched base in a while.

Count me in on one of those who also likes receiving and sending them! Even better if there is a picture that accompanies the letter. I LOATH the preprinted cards that have not a single hand-writen word or sentiment. Like someone said, all those prove is that you aren't dead yet, but that's about it.

I also like the letters. You lose touch with people. Friends from college, distant relatives, etc. Sure, you're not "talk on the phone once a month" types, but sometimes it's nice to get those letters, hear what everyone's up to. Yes, they're lists of accomplishments. But hey, those are happy things, and that's what the holidays are about. I think they're great.

Not having kids, I've never sent one, but I have a feeling I won't be above it once I do. So watch out, people, you're getting a letter.

I wouldn't loathe Christmas letters so much if I had ever gotten one that was well-written and informative rather than cliche-ridden, sacharin, and full of bragging.

"I'm so wonderful. My kids are so perfect. All of my decisions are completely justified. My husband is a saint. This has been the best year ever. We are listed in Who's Who in American Super-Families this year. Tee-freakin'-hee."

As you say, no one forces me to read them. Everyone gets one chance, after that it's straight into the trash unread each year. Those people aren't writing those letters for me, they're writing them for themselves.