Christmas cards are, of course, a great way to catch up with friends in a personal way. When I was younger I always meant to send out a year in review, touching base with the people who meant so much to me over the years, but I was always too busy. It’s a sad fact that time goes quickly. Sometimes years pass before you realize you’ve lost touch with a friend, co-worker, or classmate. Which is one reason why simple, personalized Christmas cards can be so touching.
My mother, for instance, wrote a holiday letter and sent out cards for years. On more than a few occasions I remember her actually handing me boxes of blank cards so I could start my own tradition. It took me more than a few years to finally act on it. Once I did, I realized I had more than 75 people I wanted to reach out to with personal wishes for a happy holiday.
The modern world has simplified so many things, for better or worse. Text messages have all but ended catch-up phone calls. Video games have limited the amount of time children interact with each other away from the television. Email has cut deeply into the amount of actual letters we write. These changing times have made receiving a holiday card that much more special. If someone in this busy world takes the time out of their schedule to write you, it means they care.
Holiday cards, for me, have simply become a tradition. I enjoy keeping in touch with my close friends and informing them of what is going on in my life—and hearing from them in return. More than a few of my friends have asked me where I find the beautiful cards I send and have started reciprocating, mailing out their own cards annually. There really is nothing more heart-warming than receiving a card from someone you’ve lost touch with. Cards reconnect you in a uniquely personal way.
I couldnt agree more. I love getting the “year in review” cards from friends and far off relatives. The years go by so quickly and every one is so busy with their own lives that you kinda lose track of what’s going on with everyone else. Getting these kinds of cards makes you feel connected to the people you love and miss.
I send about 110 cards every year and i too like to add a personal message to each. I usually get the cards printed with an appropiate religious sentiment and then i hand write a little somehting personall. I have to limit how much i write becasue as i say i send out 110 and it would take forever. As it is I start writing my cards after Halloween.
I totally agree. Even if you don’t stay in close contact during the year it is so nice to get updates from friends and family members around the holidays.
I must admit that I was never a big fan of the 4-page newsletter an old college friend included each year with her Christmas cards, but even those beat the tedium that is Facebook! I don’t want to keep up with anyone I consider close by having to follow their feed every day! Here’s to the tradition of Christmas cards lasting well past “The Social Network”
People may say that sending out physical cards is out-dated and more costly than keeping in touch over the internet, but cards have a big advantage over e-mails and texts. They are physical reminders of people who are special to you that you can keep at your desk or posted on your wall, or wherever you want. An e-mail or text can easily be lost in your inbox or deleted with the click of a button.