I'm getting ready to write my holiday cards. Like many folks, I intend to enclose a composed paragraph or so on what I've been up to in 2007. This does have me in just a bit of a quandary. I really want to express that the last year, in many ways, has been the happiest of my life - I moved back "home" (not really where I'm from, but close as anything) about a year ago, and it's gone very well on most fronts. This is an entirely true statement, and I do think that most true friends of mine would be happy to hear this. However, I am a little concerned about how folk I have "left behind" in the place(s) I used to live will react to this; I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings by intimating how glad I am to have left them.

What do you all think? Should I censor myself to those whom I've grown away from, or if you had a friend who was living apart from you, would you want to know that they'd really been very happy even without you?

You can't worry about everything, Stu. Just do it. I get those letters every Christmas from people I haven't seen in years! It's always nice to hear about their lives. I'm sure if they're really friends, they won't take it that way!

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I'm sure if they're really friends, they won't take it that way!

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Yep, I agree. Unless you mention specific people ("Now that I'm away from Fred, life is fine!" ), I think only the really paranoid would think things are better because you left them behind. And most friends would be happy that you're doing so well.

As the others have said - I am quite certain that a TRUE friend would be very very happy for you - and anyone that does NOT wish you well, perhaps it's good that you DID leave them behind!

You're not happier because you left them behind, you're happier because you moved to where you are now. That are two different things, and your friends should be able to differentiate between the two.

I agree with Leau - you could always mention about how sad it was to leave good friends, but that you are certainly happy in your new surroundings. If they get miffed - they aren't true friends.

Gosh you're organised!! Not even November and you're already on top of it.

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Yep, I agree. Unless you mention specific people ("Now that I'm away from Fred, life is fine!"

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"As sad as it was to leave my friends behind coming here has been a great move for me. Except for Fred: I never did like that guy"

No-one will care, except Fred.

Oh, it's hurting my head thinking about this so early, and I know the shops are already full of stuff, but.....

If you haven't got too many, would it take too much time to personalize each one? Failing that, how about two separate messages, with the one to old friends stressing how much they're missed?

I must admit, I'm a bit slapdash, I just scribble something appropriate to the person and don't give it a second thought.

I honestly think that you just by asking this question show what a nice person you are , and i`m sure the ones who knows you know this .

I am with the majority on this one, Stu. If I were one of the friends "left behind" and recieved your card and letter saying how happy you are, I wouldn't be selfish enough to think, "How dare he be happy if he's not still living close to me!" I have a lot of friends (word I don't use lightly) who have relocated all over the country. I am always thrilled to hear from them and am grateful when they say they love where they are. After all, I DO want those I care about to be happy. Don't sweat the small stuff. There is always someone willing to do it for you. Sandy

Clearly Stu your sensitive to others and that is commendable. Perhaps there are some among them you know will take it this way and if that's the case tailor make something for them. Otherwise choose your words carefully and bridge the gap your aware of. Best of luck.

You can always compose a second letter and send it along with the first one to the people you left behind, telling them what you enjoyed about their company and miss now.

You could always phrase it something like, 'I feel at home again.' as that is vague enough, isn't it?

I'm with everyone else Stu. I would love to get a Christmas letter from a friend filled with good news and happiness. It adds to the joy of the season. Just leave off the bad news. I once got a Christmas letter detailing all the ailments suffered by the family members of the letter-writer that year. Quite the downer I must say.

Hi Stu!

Must agree with the majority of the sentiment in these posts - true friends don't come with a post code (zip code).

Home is a place that is connected to our hearts, rather than a physical location. True friendship does not know miles, it only knows heartbeats.

PS - you gotta help me get organised. Really, I'm struggling with Halloween, and that's today!

You could let your friends in the old place know (individually) you really would like to keep in touch with them from time to time.

stu the only people who would be offended is the people who choose to be?

not knowing the circumstances it is difficult for anybody to give the best advice. only you know who you want to side with.

if you acted in your best interest anybody who is lucky enough to be called your friend should be happy with your decision.

your friend in distance

Thanks for the great advice, folks. Much appreciated.