Anticipation has increased here these last few days. Lily's excitement levels are rising, while I'm just clinging on until the last day of term.
I walked to work this morning. I didn't relish the thought of peddling my bike against the gusty wind and rain. When the weather conditions leave a lot to be desired, I'm far better off on two legs rather than two wheels. Unfortunately, it didn't improve much as the day went on either.
With each passing day, more and more Christmas cards have been arriving through the letter box. I love to send and receive cards, a tradition which seems to have fallen out of favour with many in recent years. When I was younger I used to think nothing of sending cards to almost everyone I knew, with little thought as to why I was actually doing it. These days, I write fewer cards, but I like to think they are sent with genuine good wishes and affection towards the recipient, especially this year.
After helping Lily with her cards yesterday - I was put in charge of envelopes ☺ - it occurred to me that I really should get on with writing my own. And so, this evening, I spent a couple of hours working through my list of friends and colleagues to whom I like to send my heartfelt Christmas wishes.
I had several designs of cards to choose from but they all featured the same thing - a snowy festive scene. There are some which I need to post, some to deliver myself, and the rest I will hand to the recipient personally.
Do you still like to send Christmas cards?
J. X
My cards go in two batches - the overseas ones that have already been sent, and local ones which are ready to go tomorrow. I may send a few more to people I usually see on a regular basis but haven't been able to since the virus took hold.
ReplyDeleteI think, more than usual, people will be sending cards this year. X
DeleteI like to send and receive Christmas cards, although I always seem to leave it until the last minute now and I haven't written a single one yet. Thirty years ago I would start at the beginning of December and write a letter with each one but digital communication and social media have lessened the need for that, I think, although I still like to write a note with each. I get excited when they plop through the letterbox and I look at the handwriting to see if I recognise it and work out who it's from. Sadly, as time has passed and my elderly relatives have left us there are fewer each year. I hope I never stop sending them. x
ReplyDeleteI used to be much more organised when it came to sending cards, but then again I used to send far more than I do now. It's a Christmas tradition I really enjoy. X
DeleteYes. I still do. Although I have shortened my list over the years. I enjoy receiving them as well. Reminds me of a simpler time. Enjoy these days leading up to Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Billie Jo. Yes, there's something quite lovely about sitting down to write our cards. X
DeleteI don't send as many as I used as lots of my extended family are now deceased. Since retiring the usual colleague card swap is no more. I still enjoy receiving cards.
ReplyDeleteChristmas card lists often change over the years, for various reasons but they are always lovely to receive. X
DeleteYes. Probably sending fewer this year, though.
ReplyDeleteI did try the Post Office's new parcel collection service today. Wrapped it, weighed it, printed out the label. They should be picking up a parcel up from our house tomorrow.
It's a great service isn't it. I've used it myself on occasion. X
DeleteThis year more cards need notes, given the year that we have just been through and will continue to until late spring. Our own words of love and kindness are needed now more than ever. I started mine today and I expect to do twice as many than last year.
ReplyDeleteThis year I've sent a few more cards than I would usually. X
DeleteCards with snowy scenes always look so pretty! I used to send a lot of cards (many of them to family who are overseas), but, now, I don't send as many. I should get my cards written and mailed in the next couple of days, though!
ReplyDeleteI used to be so much more organised about sending cards. These days I'm more relaxed about it and leave writing them until the middle of December. I've got some to deliver this evening and the rest I will hand out tomorrow. X
DeleteYour mantle looks gorgeous, especially those wooden trees 🙂
ReplyDeleteI stopped sending cards after Daisy arrived. I looked at how many I was writing (and it was a lot), did a rough calculation, doubled it, and sent that amount to the rescue centre who saved her from goodness knows what. I still do, even though she's gone. Cards were a seasonal chore that I never enjoyed, it always fell to me to do everything, and I must admit I do not miss it at all.
Thank you, Jayne. I'm a creature of habit, this mantle usually looks the same each year :)
DeleteI love your idea of donating to the rescue centre instead of sending cards. X
I absolutely second what Mrs Tiggywinkle said. My list has got smaller over the years so I'm always looking for newbies to add. I say 'pshaw' to the planet brigade here because a) my cards are already made and b) I almost always buy ones from charity shops so if you'd like to - send me your address via comments or IG messenger xx
ReplyDeleteIt's one tradition I really enjoy and I think it is seeing resurgence this year.
DeleteI'll be i touch ;) X
It’s is lovely to hear the cards plop through the door each day and read the little notes inside. Mine were sent a little earlier this year to make the most of the cheaper Christmas stamps that only lasted until December 4th. I’ve never been so organised lol! B x
ReplyDeleteThat was very wise of you, Barbara. X
DeleteYes I do but sadly have shortened the list over the years. The rising cost of postage stops the little gifts I used to enclose too.
ReplyDeletePostage can be expensive if you have a lot of cards to send. X
DeleteThis is the first year I have shortened the Christmas card list and I wrote and posted them early this year.
ReplyDeleteI simplified my own list a few years ago now. X
DeleteI do indeed - I love sending and receiving them - they are one of the best things about Christmas - getting in touch with friends old and new.
ReplyDeleteIt's a lovely tradition isn't it. X
DeleteYes, I send cards to everyone in my address book, the list is short and the people are special so it only takes me an hour or so to get through all the cards and then go out and post them.
ReplyDeleteYes, exactly this. I think it only becomes a chore when we send to those we feel obliged to, rather those we choose to. X
DeleteI enjoy sending and receiving Christmas cards but I don't send as many as I used to do. I think I'm more choosy in who I send them to these days and sadly, so many people, friends and family members, that I used to send to are no longer with us.
ReplyDeleteI've given over sending to those I feel obliged to. My list is much shorter these days. X
DeleteI love to send and receive Christmas cards. It's fun to choose which design or card for who, love it. X
ReplyDeleteYes, it's funny how card designs can be more suited to some than others. X
DeleteYes, I love sending Christmas cards. Yours are so pretty. This year I ordered a set of Mary Engelbreit ones with matching labels and return address stickers. It felt so uplifting to write them out and to mail them.
ReplyDeleteI like to choose my cards carefully as well. X
DeleteYes I love to send and receive Christmas cards but every year my list to send gets shorter apart from this year some will be sent rather than handed over. My favourite are snow scenes too, I remember my Mother used to say I want an oldy worldy Christmas scene with glitter on my Christmas card and I used to look for and give her the biggest one I could find.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your mother on her preferred choice of card :) I love a Christmassy scene. X
DeleteMy card list gets shorter every year and I now only send/give cards to a few people. Writing them is a chore I really hate so I operate a 'three strikes and you're out' policy, if I send or give a card to someone and don't get one back three years running that person is off the list. It may sound mean but like Jayne I much prefer to donate the equivalent cost to an animal charity.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't bother med if I don't get a card from someone I have sent to, just as long as my Christmas greetings are warmly received. I love your idea of a donation to charity instead. X
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