Sending Greetings Through the Mail

Christmas cards, a tradition that is slowly fading away. I've kept all those ever sent to me. It's difficult to throw away a holy card. Some are not holy but funny, with reindeer and Santa or snowy scenes. They come from different countries and from family and friends. I've noticed that I'm set and don't need to buy new boxed sets for a while. After the holidays, I used to scour the shelves for great deals and bought several different types. Now comes that time where I need to physically make myself sit down with the address book and my yearly list that I've kept on Word. It changes every year. I tend to write less on each card rather than more. We used to get updates from family. A sheet of news at times with pictures since we lived far from one another. Now with the internet, we're in touch more often.

That's my question this year. Why have we stopped sending cards? Are they too time-consuming? Have we no time? What has taken up our time? I remember how we placed each card that came by mail on the mantel. We were warmed by the greeting and knew that good wishes went both ways. Is a wish on Facebook the same? I don't think so. Far from it. A pretty picture, a few words and suddenly all have been covered.

And what about stamps? Holiday stamps. Long lines at the post office. How many of us still go to the post office in town? Bills are paid online or on an app. We rarely send cards to anyone. has it become such a chore? Is there a way we can bring it back? the lovely lettering, the hot wax stamp to seal it, the stationary, who remembers getting letters and cards this way. Imagine using a nib and dipping it into ink and writing down your thoughts to another by candlelight. Okay, maybe I've stepped too far back. But let's not lose this. A card can be a special gift. We can learn to be simple and make cookies as a gift for family or a scarf. I was watching a show from Alaska where a family made each other gifts for the holidays. Warm gloves from beaver fur and moose leather. Imagine that. Let's get back to the basics. Send cards for New Year's, for Valentines...start a movement!! It all starts with you.