Wednesday, December 05, 2007

Calling all readers...

People, I need your help. Seriously.

I’m about ready to tackle the task of sending out Christmas cards, but I’m a little stumped. Generally I try to write a light-hearted newsletter that tells people what we’re up to. But how do you share the earth-splitting news I’ve got to share (i.e. divorce) without putting a damper on the Christmas spirit? I’ve considered not sending anything at all, but then lots of people will just be confused next year when I return to the ritual. I’ve also considered just sending out the picture postcards and signing it “Shauna and the kids.” Is that enough? I welcome (and beg for) your advice and/or suggestions.

17 comments:

Rachel said...

I like the picture idea.. it gets the point across wihtout having to bring up the news (or the awkwardness that you might feel). Let people come to their own conclusions. or find out another way. Good luck!

karla said...

I like the picture idea too. I think it would (hopefully) send the message across in way that doesn't require a difficult explaination.

Hugs to you. I know this time of year tugs extra hard on hurting hearts.

Tola said...

my mother's other daughter was in the same situation a few years ago. she just sent a photo of the kids dressed up in their Halloween costumes and signed it "The *Evil Family". the next year she resumed with the newsletter and just told everyone she had remarried. (yeah, big juicy gossip there) can't wait to see you all in 2 weeks. it's going to b e so much fun!

erin said...

I think the picture idea is great. That's what I would do. If you happen to read my blog-know that it does not pertain to you. YOu are the greatest. Good luck with the cards.

the stefanie formerly known as stefanierj said...

Great idea...helps me out, too...might do that myself. :) THANKS.

GustoBones said...

Not that you want to send a card that says, Merry Christmas I'm divorced, but I think just a picture with you and your kids might not be enough info(not that you have to share any gory details with old aquaintances, but they might get the wrong idea). I was thinking about friends from California that I don't really talk to on a regular basis, but we do exchange Christmas cards every year. If I received a card from one of them with just my friend and her kids, I would be sooo confused. I might think there had been a death or something(Maybe I sound overdramatic, but that is one of the conclusions that I might draw. But I wouldn't really know.) I would want my friend to actually tell me. So, ultimately, I think it may depend on who is on your Christmas list. Good luck with what you decide. Anyone that doesn't accept you and your decision should probably be crossed off your Christmas card list anyway!!

justme said...

i think the photo is a good idea. just remember what ever YOU decide it will be ok. if people are your friends they will understand if you have not divulged this info yet. there is no PROPER way to handle.

Candygirlflies said...

They say a picture is worth a thousand words... and so, for now, perhaps it would be the most appropriate thing for a Christmas greeting.

But Shauna, you are an exquisite writer. If you wanted to share your news with some close friends or relatives-- ones whom you could count on to express love and support to your family at this time of transition-- I am certain that you could tell them in a short note... As many have said here, there are no rules or protocol for this sort of thing. You just have to follow your heart, and do what YOU feel is right.

Whatever you're comfortable with, my friend...

love to you, xo CGF

Reverend Shawn said...

Shauna ... the picture idea is good ... then throw in a couple of Dickens quotations ... I've used "it was the best of times, it was the worst of times ..." as the lead in for turmoil ... then mused on the "gift of starting fresh" like Scrooge and I end with more from A Christmas Carol to pull it back to the season - Like Tiny Tim perched on the resurrected Scrooge's shoulder and that words -"God bless us every one!!"

You're a good writer - you'll be able to find the words to say what needs to be said just HOW it needs to be said ...

shauna said...

Thanks so much, everyone. I appreciate the input. It's been holding me back for awhile so if I loose courage I'll just send the picture and leave it at that.

Anonymous said...

I like Shawn's idea. :-) Shauna, however you handle it, your family and friends will all be supportive and loving and anyone who isn't really isn't someone you need to worry about anyway. Much love! Mary

Anonymous said...

Trust your heart, but I think the less said the better. The people who notice, and care, can contact you. The people who don't notice probably don't care to know as much.

You don't owe anyone but yourself the whole truth. And I see you've reached the same conclusion anyway!

lindsey said...

Hey Shauna! I think I have lurked around on your blog a time or two without commenting. Sometimes I am so lame. I am glad you came to my blog and I'm glad I can visit yours now and comment! Thanks for the comments and for playing my crazy guessing game.

If it were me, I would do the picture cards. Then you don't have to worry about what to write. People will understand and will probably want to talk to you face to face about it anyways!

Good luck, and we'll be in touch!

Spammon said...

I'd do the picture card with you, your kids and Brad Pitt photoshopped in. Or Matthew Mcaughanahagnaey...

Laura Marchant said...

My sister is currently separated from her husband and heading towards divorce. This year she did a pic of her kids and just signed it "The Smiths."

shauna said...

As tempted as I am to use Spammon's idea, I'm going to go with the standard picture. Thanks so much for your imput! It's been extremely helpful.

karengreeners said...

I don't know you at all, but first, hi there, and second, whatever you do is courageous. You don't owe anybody an explanation, but if you feel like the news is just too big to leave out, you could always add a short paragraph that says something like, 'Our year was not without it's challenges, of course, and it found x and I embarking on separate paths.' or something like that.
Anyway, this was more like a happy holidays, and all the best to you comment rather than a 'take my advice' comment, but good luck.