Do you find it difficult to keep up on your extended family happenings? I’m sharing how a family newsletter can keep you connected.
Are you like me? If you miss the story on Instagram, you miss out on what’s happening?
Or what if you aren’t on social media? How do you keep up with the latest goings on?
One answer? A family newsletter.
STEPS TO CREATE A FAMILY NEWSLETTER
What do you need to create a newsletter?
1. THE FAMILY BUY IN
Family willing to send one person, emails, texts and pictures of upcoming and past events and accomplishments.
Kids first day of camp? Boom. A first goal? Boom. Someone finally retired? Boom.
2. A PERSON TO CREATE
The other thing you need is someone to create and email the newsletter out. I’m that person. I’m pretty quick at these things and honestly it’s really important to me to stay connected. So I guess you could say I’m motivated.
3. EMAIL ADDRESSES
Now you need to gather email addresses of anyone who has one. Making sure that ones that have graduated from high school or college have updated emails. Make sure to get the addresses of spouses and significant others, so no one is left out. Worst case is you just send it out (like I did) and people forward it on to those I missed this go round.
4. A PLATFORM
Where are you going to create your newsletter? I love CANVA, it’s super easy to use and you can use it on your phone or laptop. Microsoft Publisher would work too, I am sure there are others but seriously, CANVA is the bomb.
There is a free version too.
You will find a zillion templates so even if you think you aren’t creative, people will think you are.
Once you create or choose a template, for each newsletter, you just plug in information.
I chose some headings that I thought could be updated each time, and will add information under each.
Some newsletters will have more headings, some less. Upcoming birthdays, get togethers, showers, births, all get listed so you never miss a thing.
The fun part is naming your newsletter. You can have a contest, combine names or just make something up like I did.
3. A TIMELINE
How often do you do a newsletter? That is up to you, the size and activity level of your family, and your time.
I decided to do ours seasonally.
I started this back in 2016 and enjoyed it so much. Unfortunately as my mom’s health declined and caregiving responsibilities increased, it got tossed aside.
With Covid, family get togethers have been reduced, several family members have moved, babies are being born and now we are very spread out.
4. A WAY TO SEND
Our newsletter goes out via email. You can attach a jpeg, pdf or whatever works for you. Make sure family members share with little ones to make them feel included.
A SAMPLE OF HEADINGS
It depends on your family but between us, we have lots of pets, so I thought PUP DATES was a good category to add.
Are you family members big TV watchers? You could add a WHAT WE’RE WATCHING section. I think back to last year when I “binged” for the first time watching TED LASSO. You could always add a line from a favorite movie or show like….”BE A GOLDFISH.”
Follow sports team? Add that section too. Truly the skies the limit on what headings or categories you could add.
I would keep it to two pages max. Of course just as I’m typing I realize I could have added 4 pages in a heartbeat.
Below is page 2 of our “sample” newsletter. My family responded with really good feedback so it’s definitely going to continue. I don’t even mind sending out reminders to keep me updated and I’ll do a fall edition with pictures of the new little ones, Josh’s new place and more!
Hopefully you enjoyed a glimpse into our Family Newsletter and what it takes to pull one together. It takes a little effort but I think it’s worth it.
Next up is helping with decor for my niece’s baby shower. I’ll be sharing pics of that when I get back from my soccer tournament and blogging conference.
If you have any showers coming up, you might enjoy this post on Best Baby Shower Gifts from seasoned moms.
Helping to plan a shower? I’ve got you covered, see my post on Ideas To Elevate A Shower.
Love this! A fabulous idea. Thanks for sharing!