Christmas letters that begin with a shared memory

Make room for a scene you both remember

Barcelona, 18 December

Dear Dani,

I opened the cutlery drawer this afternoon to look for a teaspoon and out came Gran’s bent corkscrew. Remember the night we tried to open that bottle of grape juice? You were holding the bottle in a tea towel and I was pulling so hard we both ended up on the floor. By the time we got to our feet, Gran had already poured water into everyone’s glasses.

I’ve put the corkscrew in the drawer with the tablecloths. I want to get it out when you visit, even if it’s only to open something with a screw top and give ourselves another laugh. I’ll put your green glass in its usual place this year. If you get a chance, send me a photo of the view from your kitchen window. I still picture the one from your old flat.

With a great big hug,

Clara

Ask something easy to answer

Look at the question about the window. Dani could reply with a photo or a single sentence. In your own draft, replace the kitchen with something you are genuinely curious about. If the person you’re writing to is having a difficult time, end with an open invitation instead. “Whenever you feel like writing, I’d love to hear from you” leaves the choice and the timing with them.

Test the sheet before writing it out

Fold a spare sheet and slip it into the envelope to check the fit. If you use a fountain pen, draw a line on an offcut of the same paper, let it dry and check the back. Leave a margin along the left edge and a couple of lines for your signature. A short postscript can sound more like you than a perfectly recopied page.