It’s the most nostalgic time of the year — Christmas.
I have a few long-standing traditions associated with this season. One of which is Christmas Eve Mass.
I love the ambiance…
-The choir singing Christmas carols (with 1 overzealous, ear-piercing soprano)
-The altar adorned with poinsettias (a Catholic’s version of The Secret Garden)
-The aroma of incense (ho, ho, choke)
Last night, as I was absorbing the festive atmosphere, I noticed a white silhouette on the wall behind the altar.
Above the angel just to the left.
What do you think it looks like?
It’s the side profile of a person kneeling with what seems to be a ram’s head and horns. So naturally, I thought it looked like Satan.
And it instantly reminded me of Christmases long, long ago. Where my family and I…
-Took straw from the church’s nativity scene (and carried it in our wallets all year for good fortune)
-Played poker on Christmas Day with our relatives (and prayed for good luck)
-Searched for The Christmas Pickle (and pretended not to find it, so someone else could win)
Nothing says Happy Birthday Sweet Baby Jesus like stealing, gambling, and lying.
And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Your readers are no different. They want to feel connected to you. Like reading your copy is a long-standing tradition that brings back fond memories.
One way to achieve this is to ask your readers a question.
Like I did with Satan’s silhouette picture.
Invite your readers to think, guess, agree, or disagree with you. It creates engagement and makes your copy sound like a conversation.
Try this copy edit tip and connect with your readers more than any holiday tradition ever could.