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Friday, December 20, 2024

Holiday Newsletter Hell


 I suppose I understand why people write holiday newsletters and stick them in their holiday cards. They want to let all of their close friends and family that they don't see all year and only communicate with once a year through holiday cards what they have been up to all year but they don't want to write it over and over in each card they send out. It makes sense if you think about it that way. But it doesn't make any sense if you step back and think it through. Not everyone gives a rip where you travelled during the year or how smart your children are and what awards they won. 

I hate holiday newsletters. I think they are self-indulgent and narcissistic. We got one today from someone I used to think of as a friend until he and his wife retired and do nothing but travel a good portion of the year. They have no children. He invested in real estate early in his life and both have good retirement benefits. But he retired in his late 50s and both of them do nothing but indulge themselves.

I know having kids isn't for everyone. But some of us made that decision and have responsibilities and things to spend our money on besides trips to the Amazon and three month cruises. Instead of luxury cruises, e have music lessons, computer equipment, clothes, cars, insurance and college to pay for. I didn't retire when I was 55. I will probably not retire until I'm 70, not because I love working. I just want to pay for my kid's college without them going into debt. 

So forgive me if it pisses me off that you went on a Mediterranean cruise and spent time in Spain this year. And I'm sorry if I feel like puking when you say that in between luxury travel you and your wife give back by volunteering with your HOA association. Why do you think any of us care that you have too much discretionary income and are self-centered and self-indulgent. 

I want to write my own newsletter that is simply a full page of nothing but, "This year we blah, blah, blah, and then blah, blah, blah." 

I'm not bitter.

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