The holidays are a time when people traditionally send out news of all the events and activities of the past year. Some people look forward to these yearly updates, and some people don't. Either way, you can create an eye catching newsletter with "My Newsletter Maker". This online program is free, easy to use and allows you to create a colorful, professional looking holiday newsletter with just a few clicks.

If you have a popup blocker you may have to disable it. The program will pop up in separate window when you click the "create my newsletter" button. For dial up users, it will take a few minutes for the program to load.

Use the tabs at the top of the page to navigate through the available options. Start by selecting a layout, then go to the next page to upload photos. Be sure to read the tips for preparing and choosing photos, they can be found by clicking the link at the top of the "add photos" page.

On the "Select Design" page there are 14 different background designs to choose from, including boarders of Christmas lights, green and red checks or stars. Simply click on the design to make your selection. Once you have your background, click the “write message” tab, choose your font style and color, then write your message. Don't worry if you can't fit all your news onto one page, there is an option that allows you to add second a page.

Preset headings for Christmas, Hanukkah, Thanksgiving and Winter Holidays are available, but you can fill in your own heading if you prefer. When you're done preview the newsletter, edit any mistakes and then print or send it via email to as many as 20 people at one time. If you wish you can even save your newsletter to print or email at a later time.

If you're at a loss about what to write, The Creative Gift Giver offers tips on how to compose a Christmas or Holiday newsletter that people will be glad to receive and eager to read.