Backstory
You probably start Christmas shopping in October, like my friend Susan. Her gifts are wrapped, labeled and stored long before most people. She is really good at selecting just the right present. Wouldn’t it feel good if something you choose for someone this year wound up being the best gift they ever had?
Christmas Cards
Do you send Christmas cards? Lots of people no longer do. It may not be in their budget . . . or they don’t have the time . . . or they have not kept up with the physical addresses of friends and family, because they stay in touch on Facebook or through email.
Personally, I still send greeting cards. If you receive one from me, know it was selected especially for you. I don’t buy a box of all the same cards and just dole them out. Families with children get a card with Santa or a snowman or a happy feel. Mature adults may get a vintage scene. Religious recipients will probably bear a nativity scene. Cards to my Jewish or Arabic friends will wish happy holidays rather than Merry Christmas.
I begin the card-sending process, the day after Thanksgiving, making sure my list is up to date, selecting each card for each person or family, and writing a personal message in each.
For some folks, there may be one of those Christmas letters that some folks dread and others cherish. They only go to those I think would want to know what the last 365 days have brought to my life. My letters will be heavy on the good news, light on the stuff that sucks. If you receive one, I hope you enjoy it or at least put up with me connecting the dots of the last year.
Merry Christmas.
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As a recipient of your thoughtful cards, thank you many times over. PS. I love receiving yearly recap letters too. Hint hint!
You are so subtle!
Of course, this topic is near and dear to my heart — especially the way you do Christmas cards, which is the way they should be done — not from obligation, not rushed to see how many or how fast you can finish — but personalized with love. And I like to remind people that instead of feeling stressed about the length of your Christmas card list, spread them out. Most of those folks will be just as happy to hear from you for New Year’s or Valentine’s or St. Patrick’s Day.
Marvelous thought to have your message arrive when it’s not competing with a dozen others. I’ll start doing that.
Merry Christmas…hope to get together soon!!! Hugs
Soon is a very good time, Cathie. God bless.
While we only send to family, I do enjoy getting a real card. So far we have received 4 and 3 of them are picture cards with their family. Those we cherish and save.
I would send you a Christmas card, if I had your address.
Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday & Happy New Year.
And to you, my friend. Crossing fingers to see you soon.