You can relax .... All the mailing deadlines are past, so if you haven't written your Christmas letter or mailed out your cards, they won't get there in time anyway. Just sit back, put on the Christmas carols, eat some gingerbread, and plan on a Valentine newsletter.

Or, you can start a family blog. Some military spouses featured in the Dec. 21 Spouse Calls said their blogs offered more space for news and photos, as well as freedom from the ubiquitous Christmas letter. Some families write blogs about their children's lives, especially for grandparents back home. Others made their blogs all about travel. Still others created blogs for special events, such as Advent devotions.

Some advice they offered:

Be careful: You can limit access to photos and information about your family by password protecting your site. Even with a password, be wary of the information you post about your family's schedule and children's activities. No need to include full names, for example.

Be real: Tell the true story about life where ever you live. Travel stories are more interesting when you include the bumps in the road. Also, be sensitive about what information your children would like to share about their lives, especially as they approach their teens.

Relax: No need to be a professional writer or photographer. Share the everyday things. Your friends and family just want to know what is going on in your life. Little, funny things that happen are just as important as major events. Sit back, relax and make your blog a conversation with friends.

Some sites that offer free blog space:

Blogger

Websites for Heroes

Shutterfly

Multiply

At these sites, you can sign in and get started right away creating a family or travel news site. Your loved ones can see it right away -- no postage required.