The arrival of snow—but especially the arrival of December—brings with it the magic of the holiday season. The lights and decorations in the streets transform our world for a few weeks. For the past few years, I’ve enjoyed writing personalized holiday cards that I mail to my closest friends.
Some readers may see this as an outdated practice, since they believe that e-cards and holiday greetings sent via social media can replace traditional cards. Plus, these alternatives are free and don’t require a trip to the store or the post office to buy stamps.
Personally, I find there’s something special about taking the time to choose a unique card for each person on my list. I also enjoy taking the time, sitting at my desk with a good cup of coffee, to write a personalized message for each of these people. This simple little gesture takes only about an hour, but I dare say it brings a touch of joy to those who receive greeting cards a little while before the festive season surrounding Christmas and New Year’s.
A small piece of cardstock can carry a message that brings a smile to the face of anyone who finds it in their mailbox amid the bills and advertisements. Carefully written words can convey messages of encouragement, good wishes, and friendship, revealing how important these people are in our lives. Beyond gifts, there are human connections, values, and precious moments that are created during this time of year—moments that material possessions can never replace.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed and dare to believe that traditions—simple ones like this—will not disappear but will endure over time, continuing to enrich our lives and the different seasons of the year, even if they evolve slightly as the years go by and future generations take over.