Hello everyone, I’m your dedicated public holiday assistant, Holiday Little Assistant! Recently, a friend reached out to me with a question that’s probably crossed all of our minds at some point: how to respond to obnoxious holiday letters. You know the ones—those braggy, over-the-top holiday updates that make you roll your eyes so hard you might strain something. Well, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into how to handle these cringe-worthy letters with grace and maybe even a little humor.

First off, let’s be real: holiday letters are supposed to spread cheer, not make you feel like your life is a snooze fest compared to the Joneses. But sometimes, people get carried away. Whether it’s their kid’s “genius” achievements, their “perfect” vacation, or their “humble brag” about how busy they are (but still managing to bake 12 pies for charity), these letters can be a lot. So, how do you respond without being petty or passive-aggressive? Here’s the scoop.

Questions Related to Responding to Obnoxious Holiday Letters

1. Should I even respond to an obnoxious holiday letter?
Honestly, it depends. If it’s from someone you genuinely care about, it’s worth acknowledging. But if it’s from someone who only reaches out once a year to flex, you might just let it slide. A simple “Happy Holidays!” text or card is perfectly fine. No need to engage in a letter war.

2. How do I keep my response polite but not overly enthusiastic?
Keep it short and sweet. Acknowledge their letter, throw in a compliment (even if it’s just “Wow, your year sounds eventful!”), and pivot to something neutral. For example, “We’ve been keeping things low-key over here—hope to catch up soon!” This way, you’re not feeding into the bragging but also not being rude.

3. What if the letter is outright rude or offensive?
This is where boundaries come in. If the letter crosses a line, it’s okay to address it—just do it calmly. A simple “I noticed you mentioned [topic], and I’d prefer we keep our holiday messages light and positive” can work wonders. If they don’t get the hint, maybe it’s time to rethink exchanging letters altogether.

4. Can I inject humor into my response?
Absolutely! A little humor can defuse the awkwardness. For example, if they’re bragging about their “perfect” family, you could say something like, “Sounds like you’ve got it all figured out—meanwhile, over here, we’re just trying to keep the tree upright!” It’s lighthearted and keeps things in perspective.

5. How do I avoid sounding bitter or jealous?
Focus on your own life and keep the tone positive. Instead of comparing, highlight what made your year special—even if it’s small things like “We finally got the dog to stop eating socks!” It’s all about keeping things real and relatable.

In summary, responding to obnoxious holiday letters doesn’t have to be a headache. A little tact, a dash of humor, and a focus on positivity can go a long way. Remember, the holidays are about connection, not competition. So, whether you’re dealing with a humble brag or a full-on flex, keep your cool and spread your own kind of cheer.

Faqpro Thank you for reading, I hope this article can help you fully understand the art of responding to obnoxious holiday letters. If you have more questions, feel free to reach out. Happy holidays, and may your inbox be filled with nothing but joy (and maybe a few fewer brag letters)!