Round-robin letter facts for kids
A round-robin letter is a special kind of letter. People often send it with a Christmas card at the end of the year. In this letter, the writer shares what happened to them or their family during the past year. It's like a yearly update for friends and relatives.
Contents
What is a Round-Robin Letter?
A round-robin letter is also called a Christmas letter. It's a way to tell many people about your year all at once. Instead of writing many individual letters, you write one main letter. Then, you send copies to everyone on your Christmas card list. This makes it easy to share big news or fun stories.
Why Do People Write Them?
People write these letters to keep in touch with family and friends. They might live far away or not see each other often. The letter can include updates on school, work, hobbies, or family trips. It helps everyone feel connected and know what's new in each other's lives.
What Do People Say About Round-Robin Letters?
Round-robin letters sometimes get a lot of jokes made about them. Some people find them a bit funny or even annoying. A journalist named Simon Hoggart from The Guardian newspaper often made fun of these letters. He even wrote a book about them called The Hamster That Loved Puccini: The Seven Modern Sins of Christmas Round-robin Letters. He thought some letters were too much.
Common Criticisms
Critics often point out a few things they don't like about these letters:
- Only Good News: People tend to only share the good things that happened. They might not mention any problems or bad news. It makes everything sound perfect, which isn't always real life.
- Too Many Details: Sometimes, the letters have too many small, boring details. Readers might not care about every single thing that happened.
- Bragging: Some letters can sound like the writer is bragging. They might focus too much on their own achievements or their family's successes. This can make the letter seem a bit self-centered.
Despite these criticisms, many people still enjoy writing and receiving round-robin letters. They are a tradition for many families during the holiday season.
