It is around this time of the year that people send the dreaded Christmas letters. I understand that these letters are written with the best of intentions. That people sincerely believe we all want to hear what their family has been up to for the past year. And I think if our lives had not been in such a sh*t storm at the time, I may have received them in a better frame of mind. But I hate to say it, but it just seems that often they come off sounding very sanctimonious. If there is anything I have learned in the last few years is that no family is truly how they appear. So I found it hard to believe that some people’s lives could be so perky and perfect.
I recall one letter where the writer tells us how the family went on a mission to Africa and saved a child by adopting him and how perfect and Super-cali-fragil-istically smart her children are, and then listed all the over-achievements. It was so over the top nauseating that I was stunned. Do people just make this stuff up? Could this possibly be true? Where is the honesty in here. If I am your friend, do not be afraid to tell me the truth. Let me know that you are human and that life is not perfect for everyone. Those letters made me feel more small and ashamed of my life than I already was.
I actually received my first Christmas letter of the season the other day from some friends. I had not received one from them before. I know and love these people and I know their life is not perfect and that 2010 has not been entirely without its trials. Yet they wrote a lovely letter, and they did not come off sanctimonious. Was it how the letter was written, or was it the fact I know these people and I know the truth of their lovely imperfect life. Or is it that I am at a place where I can accept these letters and not feel defeated and depressed after reading them? I think it is a combination of all 3.
So with that revelation, here is the Belleau Christmas letter of 2010. I solemnly swear to not be to horribly perky, to tell the truth, to not sugarcoat, and to not induce a gagging reflex.
The Belleau Christmas Letter 2010
