Christmas Cards

When I was a kid, I loved Christmas cards.  Whenever our little family received a Christmas card in the mail, Mum would always allow Dawn and I to open the envelope (being very careful not to destroy the return address) and pull the festive, often glitter coated, card out from within the safe confines of it's paper coat.  It was like a little present - filled with happy holiday wishes and updates from those near and far.  We loved watching her pin the card to the felt Christmas card display my Grams had made for her many, many years ago - joining the family cards which had already been pinned to the long fabric.

Every year, that displayed hung heavy on the hook - bursting with brightly colored card stock.  There never seemed to be enough room on that display, as cards always seemed to spread out from the felt and creep along the wall - held there by Scotch tape.  The cards always turned into part of the holiday decor - reminders of those who had thought of us during this special time of year.

The number of Christmas cards sent and received multiplied by the year.  And, every year, I remember the joy in getting to wrap my fingers around the most colorful pen possible, carefully gliding its tip across the paper as I signed every Christmas card we mailed out to friends and family.

However, as I have grown into adulthood, I have noticed those number do a reverse.  The Christmas cards sent and received have dwindled.  When I was young, our little family sent and received at least 50-75 Christmas cards each year.  Today, we send no more than 10 cards and receive even less.  The joy of receiving those Christmas cards haven't diminished in my adulthood, so why have the cards?

Some believe it is technology.  As hand written letters have been replaced with email and text messages, Christmas cards have been replaced by Facebook and Twitter.  Who needs the family Christmas portrait when there is Instagram?  Some believe it is laziness.  The newer generations simply don't appreciate the appeal of Christmas cards or are too busy to bother.

For me, I believe it is a combination of many things.  While I appreciate the convenience and immediacy of Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (though I don't have an Instagram account), along with the ability to snap a photo with your mobile phone and send it off in an instant, nothing can replace the joy of receiving a little colorful envelope in the mail - filled with glad tidings and holiday spirit.

How about you? Do you send Christmas cards? Do you like receiving Christmas cards?  Do you like sending Christmas cards? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Happy Tuesdsay!