Many of us are more connected than ever to our far-flung networks of family and friends these days, thanks to Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, email, and other online tools. But there's still something satisfying about those holiday letters, delivered via traditional mail, in which families sum up the highs and lows of their past year.

Which is why we appreciated the approach taken this year by technology consultant Frank Catalano and his wife, Denise. The Seattle residents combined the analog and digital worlds by inserting into their Christmas cards a postcard-sized card with five Twitter-style updates. A few examples:

@catazog Bought a townhouse in Seattle's Magnolia neighborhood in September, moved in October, and sold Lake Tapps house in November. Boxes rule. 30 days ago from the storage unit

@FrankCatalano Murray died in August after 13 years; we'll miss his Golden Retriever happiness, company and maddening bark. Kayla misses him too. 90 days ago from happy memories

@catazog 10th anniversary, two-week vacation in Scotland and Ireland this summer. Great history, food, beer and Seattle-like weather. 150 days ago from the Guinness Storehouse

Frank Catalano says that the relatives who received the letter seemed to get it, even if they weren't immersed in the digital world.

The Catalanos weren't alone in taking their holiday-card cues from social networks. One of Frank's friends, Steve Vitalich, sent out his holiday letter in the form of a series of Facebook updates, recounting some of the most meaningful events and moments of his past year. See his letter here: PDF, 2 pages.

Have you sent or received any particularly clever or geeky holiday cards this year? Have social networks replaced the traditional holiday letter in your life? Comment below or drop us a note with examples at techflashtips@bizjournals.com. And Happy Holidays from TechFlash.