Although I don't write my own Christmas letters, I enjoy reading them. I see them more as updates on people's lives than bragging. Some of the people who send these to me are people I don't talk to on a regular basis. They check in once or twice a year. It's nice to know what they've done of which they're proud.

One dear friend of mine whose letters I miss usually detailed long-winded tales about his family and their exploits around the globe with foreign (exotic) women and vast riches. Of course, it was all made up. But very fun to read. His series of letters has long since ended. Maybe he ran out of white lies.

(Mathias Baden is the editor of the Jordan Independent. He can be reached at editor@jordannews.com.)

Chistmas letters delight me every year. I'm actually disappointed when I receive only a card with a signature. Come on! If you care enough to spend the postage, you should tell people what you're up to. Share your year's big moments, whether they be joyful or sad. I love photo cards, too, but even those can be a little disappointing if they are not accompanied by a word or two about the sender's year. What does one think when receiving a photo card? "My friends/relatives are still living, and they have certainly gotten fatter-grayer-wrinklier-thinner-older, (choose whatever applies)" or "Yes, this couple still has children, and they are getting bigger and growing up." Well, that's very nice, but what I'd really like to hear is the story behind the picture.  I'd rather hear about their year. How do they love to spend their time? What are their passions? What makes them happy and proud? What milestones have they reached? Where have they traveled? What about their children brings them joy and makes them laugh? And yes, I even want to know what broke their hearts this year. So send a letter. Don't believe the "It's too braggy" cop-out. That's what people say when they don't want to take the time to write a letter.