THE LIST: 'There's no apostrophe needed'

I’m going to jab a little to start, but I promise it’s all in good fun.

The question of the week is “What’s in a name?” My answer is, “Not an apostrophe.”

I don’t think we’ve ever sent Christmas letters or Christmas cards. We’ve gotten some fairly elaborate ones over the years, though.

I have one friend who is retired after over 35 years working for Ford Motor Company. He and his wife have several kids who are all very successful. The Christmas letter they send each year is more detailed and well-organized than this newspaper is.

Then, there are the made-to-print cards you can do online. Those are a great, simple option of the last several years, and we’ve gotten a few of those already with very nice family pictures on them.

But, I saw a meme poking fun at the way people pluralize their last name on Christmas cards that I have to bring up. I feel it’s a good time to do it. Have you ever seen the cards that say, “Merry Christmas from The Nelson’s”? You know where I am going with this — there’s no apostrophe needed.

For most family names, this meme noted that you just add the letter “s” to it. For me, it would say “The Nelsons.”

With last names ending in s, ch, sh, x or z, you get an “es” added.

The meme suggested that when in doubt, just say “The Nelson Family.” Simple enough, right?

There are so many ambiguities with the English language, and to be sure, this is one of the worst to figure out.

I promise I won’t send your card back if your name on it isn’t spelled correctly. It’s all part of it, and it’s the thought that counts. I just find these oddities of the English vernacular fascinating enough to write about.

The Christmas festivities around the area have been wonderful thus far and they continue this weekend in Fontanelle with pancakes and another visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The Nativity Scene the Greenfield Lion’s Club put up in front of The Gathering Place is a wonderful reminder of the real meaning of this season.

I have an interview set up for tomorrow with a lady who has 15 Christmas trees. You won’t want to miss that story. I hope it comes out as well as my experience is touring them. I have previewed a few pictures and I’m really excited.

In the air, there’s certainly a feeling of Christmas. Don’t let it get you so much that you miss out on enjoying it. And don’t stress about how to spell your name too much either. I forgive you in advance!

Just for good measure: “Merry Christmas from the Nelson’s.”