A Daily Christmas Letter

The tradition of the Christmas letter, or any annual letter sent to a wide variety of friends

, family and business associates at some other time of the year, has become a phenomenon of the past. With the rise of social media, the annual update letter has become both unnecessary and cumbersome. Today, people do not have to wait until the New Year to share the information that such a letter used to convey.

Social media allows an ongoing, instant and comprehensive method of keeping in touch with many -- if not most -- of the people who would have been on the annual letter mailing list just a decade ago. Social media sites have provided a forum for people to connect with their immediate family and friends in a dynamic way while also providing an opportunity to re-connect with lost friends, former co-workers, long-ago classmates and distant relatives.

Reports that social media activity lacks the personal touch of real life relationships ignores the benefit of reestablishing old connections and maintaining a level of contact with individuals who might under other circumstances slip away into the foggy memories of the past. By making the world a little smaller, at least virtually, modern communications have allowed many to maintain relationships that otherwise would have been neglected.

The modern ability to remain in touch regardless of distance and time has permitted a widening of the circle of influence. Utilizing internet-based social networking sites, a cousin in Iowa is able to share information, photos, video, and other resources with a military member stationed in Iraq or Afghanistan. A Canadian mother is able to keep up with the activities of a child studying abroad in France or Germany. A missionary in Ecuador is able to provide regular updates to the sponsors of impoverished children. A businesswoman in Chicago is able to easily maintain contacts established while traveling in China or Japan.

Social media sites have been important links in helping old friends and classmates to reestablish relationships, share information and offer encouragement and support. There is no easier way to share good news, -- the birth of a child, a new job or even something as mundane as "the best burrito ever" -- with a wide range of people than to quickly post details to a social networking site and have that information instantly disseminated among a circle of friends and acquaintances. This simplicity also allows social media users to keep others informed of new contact information or to request assistance with various needs such as job searches, restaurant recommendations and movie reviews.

Finally, social networks have given individuals a method of expressing concern and an opportunity to offer support when others are experiencing a tough, or even tragic, life experience. Though it is less personal than a card or flowers during a time of trouble, encouraging words and well wishes from others is often the kind of "pick me up" that can be appreciated by the recipient.

Many benefits can be realized when social media sites are used to solidify relationships.

by: Christine Harrell

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