The one December tradition that my family thinks is insane: Christmas cards. 
While the rest of civilization is cutting back on cards to save trees, save on postage, etc. it seems that my list grows each year along with the time involved. The cost grows too, though I refuse to actually add up what we spend on the custom printing, photos, photocopied letter, stamps and return address labels. I don’t want to know, because I don’t want to stop.
Christmas card writing is a very important use of time, in my opinion.
There is no mindless signing of “the Kerrigans” to a stack of cards, stuffing of envelopes and slapping on of address labels. Instead, I start with the envelopes, addressing each by hand. The minute that it takes is plenty of time for my mind to wander through great memories with that person or family. After all the envelopes are done, I’ll write a card for each envelope. This is a second chance to pause and think about each one. I think about what they meant to us and what might have happenend in their lives. I try to imagine the kids a year older than the last time (since they don’t grow up in my memory). Later, when I add the photo, letter and stamps, it’s one more pause for each person again. Lots of great memories from our time together and hopes for a good upcoming year for everyone.
Yes, it’s work. Yes, it’s a lot of time. Yes, it’s an expense. But it’s an annual connection that’s worth it.
I always feel a lot of stress about getting them done, but then when I start working on them, the stress melts away. I’m thinking about how thankful and fortunate we are for each person in our lives. (Remember, gratitude and stress cannot co-exist.)
Even though it’s pretty much a one-way activity (unlike a phone conversation), I DO feel reconnected to all of these people when I pause to address,write and stuff their cards.
How about you? Do you send cards?
