My twist on the traditional Christmas letter

Have your Christmas cards been sent yet?

Me?

NO.

I don't know where the time has gone.

But my "letter" has been written.... more like designed and my pictures are on order. So maybe tomorrow they will be addressed and stamped.

Back to my letter. What started off as a letter years ago has turned into a crossword puzzle. I got tired of writing what seemed like the same old letter year after year. So one year I decided to make up a family crossword. I've been making one for about 6 years now.

I start by writing my clues (usually a short sentence). Then I get out my trusty graph paper and begin plotting out different words from my clues trying to figure out what ones would work best and where.

Once it's on paper it's time for the computer. I create my little boxes (by cutting and pasting them from the previous year ~ they are already the perfect size) and move them around according to my penciled out design. Once the boxes are set, I type in my clues ~ making sure to leave a spot for the missing word and add corresponding numbers into the correct boxes. Finally, the fun stuff. Changing the font and adding pictures, which I try to use as "helpers" for the clues.

** oh, and don't forget to put an answer key on the back **

Yes, its a bit tedious and every year I swear I'm going to launch the computer out the window, but for some reason I really enjoy creating it.

He is the finished product ~ in bits and pieces ~ because remember, I haven't sent them out yet and I don't want to be a fun wrecker!