Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Seasonal Postal Greetings - A Thing of The Past?

Chronica Domus
A selection of past Christmas cards I've received and saved, displayed for the purpose of this blog post
Photo: Chronica Domus

When I was growing up in England, sending Christmas cards, or should that be holiday cards, as they are more commonly referred to in America, was an act which heralded the beginning of the Christmas season in our household.  My mother always wrote and addressed each card by hand, and those that were to be sent overseas were posted first, followed a week later by cards that would reach addresses throughout our fair isles. By mid-December, all of our cards had been safely dispatched via the services of the Royal Mail.

My sisters and I would delight at the postman's deliveries made in the weeks prior to Christmas because we knew there would be at least one, if not more, Christmas cards within the pedestrian pile of printed correspondence and bills that got pushed through our letterbox daily.  We looked forward to opening those cards as much as we enjoyed opening the little windows on our advent calendar.  If we received a card from foreign lands, as we did most years from friends and family that lived across the globe, we would study the interesting stamps and their designs, and then reflect upon how that country differed in its celebrations of Christmas.  The cards within those envelopes not only brought good cheer and merriment to our family, but also provided us the opportunity to think about the senders as it was unlikely we would have the chance of visiting them personally over the Christmas and New Year period.

My mother would display the cards we received on the mantel shelf and also attach them to little makeshift "clotheslines" as I called them, with tiny pegs, strung across backs of doors, or on ribbons cascading down the tall pocket doors of our drawing room.

Today, in my own household, I like to do much the same as my mother in terms of taking the time to hand-write and address my cards, and pop them in the mail within the first two weeks of December. I enjoy both sending and receiving cards, and have kept many of the ones sent to me over the years.  I do this for sentimental reasons, and for the fact that I enjoyed the design of the card that was thoughtfully selected and written to me.  They are reminders of friends and family, and that their generosity of spirit and good wishes still live on whenever I get the urge to look through my stack of saved cards.

For the reasons stated above, the modern trend for sending seasonal greetings via electronic-mail leaves me dumbfounded.  Does anyone actually think this is a good idea?  I am afraid that such electronic cards have as much longevity as the majority of junk mail that floods my e-mail box daily. These "cards" lack warmth and personality, and more than likely will not be seen by the other members of the family to which they are being sent.

I do realize one must invest a certain amount of time in sending cards during the holiday season and, of course, the nominal expense involved in acquiring said cards and associated postage fees. However, if you select your recipient list with as much care as you will have taken in your card selection and hand-written message, your thoughtfulness will reach your most beloved family members and friends, delighting and overjoying them with happiness, which is after all, part of the generosity of spirit associated with the Christmas holiday season.

Do you enjoy sending and receiving Christmas holiday cards through the mail, or have you succumbed to the more modern electronic trend of e-cards?

36 comments:

  1. I am not the slightest bit surprised yet still delighted that you take the time and effort to do this Christmas ritual the right way in the same way you lovingly and artfully laid your Thanksgiving table but as stated above you were instilled with these values and appreciation by what were/are quite devoted parents in all matters I suspect but in valuing what is done by hand and with a personal touch quite obviously.
    My dear CD, I'm afraid I'm about to be an entry on your naughty list as I was for years a stalwart Christmas Card sender often held up as a great example by the older generations of ladies who were quite impressed with my foil lined envelopes and beautiful cards I had selected...not of the mass produced variety. I always enclosed a personal note with the tidings of the season that were well received and commented upon with favor but stopped about 10 years ago. Many of those fine ladies that also reciprocated beautifully and thoughtfully are gone yet their cards have been saved and pulled out every December to remind me of simpler more thoughtful days when those December trips to the mailbox were looked upon that same excitement and anticipation that you and your sister felt as young girls....there I may have to pour a scotch and listen to ol' Bing...

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    1. Dearest GSL, how sad that your thoughtful card dispatches have ceased. I encourage you to once again take pen to paper and get scribbling as I am certain your friends will once again appreciate your efforts in spreading glad tidings during the Christmas season.

      I am, also impressed that you've held onto some of those wonderfully written cards from your lady friends that are no longer with us. The black and white cartoon card in my photograph was drawn by a dear friend of ours who passed away several years ago. Each Christmas, when I look through my pile of saved cards, I remember the wonderful times we spent together and feel fortunate that I was the recipient of his lovely card. I'm so glad I held onto it.

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    2. Like GSL I too used to send many cards by "ye olde method", but stopped about 10 years ago, not (then) that my corespondents were dying off, although that would hold true now. I think I began to evaluate why I was sending so many, (to my entire address book), and whether it was an act appreciated by the recipients, or indeed whether I enjoyed receiving cards back in return. (I never just sent a signed card, but added a snippet of news; I cannot understand why people just sign a card and say nothing about what has been happening to them in the intervening 12 months.) Anyway, I have cut back my mailed cards to a very select number, and I combine those with electronic cards. It's nice when both elicit a response - and by that I mean some news - in return. My interest in Christmas has waned over the years, largely as a reaction to its over commercialisation, and my habit of only observing it every other year has waned even further! I think it's a shame that the point of Christmas has almost been completely lost on the majority of people. (Why is it observed in all it's tackiest finery in a country that is 99% Buddhist? Well clearly it's a very convenient marketing tool for commerce.) 'Nuff said by this Scrooge, Bah humbug et al.

      That rant notwithstanding, I am glad that you can be less cynical, and share the "holiday shopping season", (so described by Bloomberg), in a meaningful way. That I respect.

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    3. Hello columnist,

      I'm happy to read that you are still sending cards to those special people in your life, and to those who appreciate receiving them. I think the entire point of card sending is to make a personal connection and let people know you are thinking of them, which you obviously do by the very act of sending your card (postal or otherwise), and also including a few lines of your news.

      I try terribly hard not to follow the sheep and fall into the marketing ploys of Christmas (not my cup of tea), but sending cards is a long held tradition in my family and I recall my grandmother doing the same too.

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  2. Hello there, I'm new to your lovely blog, just had to comment to agree - I also grew up in the UK and Christmas cards were a large part of our preparations for the season. I still send out about 40 cards each year and hope to receive about the same number to display as you do. Of course, we also receive email greetings, but it's still nice to hear from people.

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    1. Hello Patricia, thank you for your comment and welcome to the blog. I'm so glad to hear from an ex-pat, and that you too anticipate the arrival of each and every card at this time of year. I once read that the Brits send more greeting cards than any other nation. I wonder if this fact still holds true today?

      Please do drop by again. It is always so nice when readers add to the discussion, thank you.

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  3. Well certainly the electronic Christmas card has not yet come my way - but that is only because my family and friends fall into two camps. They either send proper cards, or they just don't bother at all. Sadly there are more in the latter category now. It annoys me no end to send out my cards, in which I write a personal message to the recipient, to receive a flurry of text messages in return that usually say 'I'm too busy to send cards this year". Which is even more annoying, as it suggests that I have so much time on my hands that I can waste it writing out cards, obviously. No matter that given the events that have occurred for me at Christmases over the past five years including house renovations, death, illness and house moves, along with the usual busy lead up to Christmas with functions/ child related events I could possibly have used that as an excuse too… but writing out a few cards each night while watching tv is no real chore. Unfortunately it seems that a lot of laziness instead has caused this very nice tradition to be lost as everyone is now too "busy" to sit down and write a card out. I have seen Christmas messages on Facebook though - one wonders what the point is given that it's not remotely personal.
    I think you can see this is a sore point for me!

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    1. Oh, dear, it certainly sounds like a sore spot for you Heidi. I never considered laziness a factor in not sending Christmas cards, but I think you make a perfectly valid point. Like you, I too write my cards in between the avalanche of other items that require my day-to-day attention, but, I feel it is important to do, and it is the thought that counts at the end of the day. I've yet to receive an email or text thanking me for the card I've sent (which is an odd thing to do if you ask me!).

      Keep up the good work Heidi and continue with your card sending. I know the recipients will appreciate your efforts.

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  4. I like to send holiday cards and try to find something "unusual" every year. This year I ordered them from the Art Institute of Chicago. The Met in NY also has some nice cards for sale. I think people on the receiving end like the fact that someone has taken the time to write on paper. By the way there are some lovely cards in your picture above.

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    1. Hello Diogenes,

      How nice to know that you are so thoughtful in your choice of card each year that you go as far as seeking them out from the great art institutes, which is, I must say, a fabulous idea for finding less commercial examples.

      Thank you for stopping by and adding to the discussion.

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  5. Hello CD, I think that all personal letters/greetings are nice, although I don't attach any special status to end-of-the-year holiday greetings. Sometimes, indeed, these can be rather rote, as opposed to times when someone suddenly thought of you and felt impelled to write. Letters are certainly nicer than emails, but there is nothing wrong with emails, especially if that means the difference between sending and not sending a note.

    I now extend the annual greeting season to Chinese New Year, and incidentally, Asian shops are a good place to look for interesting cards that are well made, unusual, and full of auspicious scenes and symbols.
    --Jim

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    1. Hello Jim,

      I so agree with you that letters and greetings at any time of the year are a nice thing to receive, and of course, an email is certainly better than radio silence.

      Thank you for the tip on seeking out unusual cards from Asian shops. Next time I visit China town in San Francisco, I'll make sure to pop into some of the little shops to see what is on offer.

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  6. I love seeing a line hung with xmas cards too! But interestingly this year I probably wont send cards to most and only to my family and neighbours. I think there is also an issue that was brought up to me by some of my friends was that I wasn't being eco friendly by sending cards they were only going to throw out anyway. So in some circles it is seen to be wasteful in our postmodern era!

    But I have some elderly relatives that dont' do email or other social media so those are the people I send cards to and I love getting real mail in the post and is a rare and genuine delight.

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    1. What an interesting point you make, with regards to being eco-friendly and the act of sending Christmas cards. There are many options that use recycled post-consumer paper if that is a concern, at least in my area of the world, so that may be a good option for you and your friends.

      I'm happy you are able to connect with the older generation in your family through card sending. I'm sure they are as delighted to hear from you as you are to receive "real mail" through your door.

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    2. I knew a wonderful Greek lady who wrote recipes on the backs of the Xmas cards friends sent her. Her recipes had beautiful artwork and the signatures of her friends.

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    3. Hello Mm Thomas,

      What a wonderful way of not only retaining favorite cards from favorite friends, but also putting them to good use after Christmas has long gone. "Upcycling", as they say, at its best.

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  7. Of course, it's all about the real thing! I just got a few boxes of cards ready for me to work on next week. :) I am practically obsessed about choosing the most beautiful designs and then hand-writing little messages inside. We send them to the entire family, dear friends, plus all our neighbours and some people met through work. And I keep some of the ones we receive, too. :) I actually make a little collage of my favourite cards every Christmas, frame it and keep alongside the freshly received ones. x

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    1. Hello Natalia,

      Why does it not surprise me that you labor so hard over the right choice of card each year, and the hand-written message that goes along with it? You are truly a lady of style!

      I adore your idea of creating a collage of your favorite cards and framing those. What a very clever idea! In the interest of saving space, unfortunately, I just keep my old cards in a little box that is stored alongside my Christmas ornaments.

      Thank you for stopping by and commenting.

      Delete
  8. I send Christmas Cards every year and will continue to do so although my number has dwindled from about 60 down to around 20. I spend more time though on each writing stories or messages to my friends and family.
    I hate the electronic cards, particularly the ones that make you click a series of links (not even included in the email) -they're not very personal and I don't even bother reading them anymore. Thats what the delete key is for!

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    1. Hello AD,

      What an excellent point with regards to those electronic cards and all the clicking of links that is required for you to unearth the message in the "card". Delete key is right!

      Happy to read that you too continue the tradition of sending card through the mail - bravo!

      Delete
  9. This is a subject very dear to me as I have always loved the sending and receiving of Christmas greeting cards. I remember my parents receiving many beautiful cards that covered the fireplace mantel as well as the top of the piano. It was a magnificent sight to behold! Each year I enjoy searching for just the right cards that resonate with me both pictorially and for its message. Lately, it is gotten difficult to find any that make any reference to Christmas. They have tended to be the generic holiday greetings sort. Very sad. I take the time to hand write a personal message to each recipient - nothing too detailed but enough to fill them in on our past year and let them know how we are doing. I also love reading the news from others. I lament the fact that each year, fewer and fewer people are making the effort to keep this tradition alive. Sending and receiving Christmas cards is still important to me but apparently not to most people today.

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    1. Hello Anon,

      Thank you for sharing your memories of the piano and mantel covered in cards. I can only imagine how beautiful the room must have appeared.

      I commiserate with you on the difficulties of finding a Christmas card that wishes the recipient a "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Christmas". Sometimes I will find a perfect image only to open the card and see the words "Happy Holiday" - ugh!

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  10. Each year we design our own and have them printed. The envelopes are hand addressed. Christmas and Hanukkah stamps are affixed. Personal notes are included in each card. Something new this year - I found some flexible sealing wax that is postal service friendly, so there will be a wax seal on the envelopes for the first time.

    Thank you so much for your most enjoyable blog!

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    1. Hello J.W.,

      How marvelous that you've tracked down a postal-friendly sealing wax. I can only imagine the captivated recipient of your beautiful envelope as they gaze upon the seal and admire it before tearing into the paper to reveal such a thoughtfully chosen card and written note within. Well done!

      Now I'm off to research the sealing wax, which has me intrigued.

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    2. Thank you. :)

      "Nostalgic Impressions" online. I road tested a couple of envelopes and they came through the mail in great shape.

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    3. J.W.

      Thank you so much for returning to let us all know your source of mail-safe wax seal. I adore that you took the time and effort to do a test drive, and to learn that it passed with flying colors.

      Delete
  11. CD,
    I confess, I send a card each year but rarely take the time to write a note. That is why I've been concerned that even I am losing the very thing I used to love. Among our dearest friends we all exchange cards that usually include pictures of the family, or in my case now, grandkids. We get a couple of the dreaded generic Christmas letter but most cards have been ordered from one of the many online companies now that print the name of the family inside the card and put the return address on the envelop, and the cards are addressed via a label program that prints the name and address of each recipient. Great, now I'm depressed! :-)
    I do remember loving each and every Christmas card that arrived to my home as a child, and even today look forward to seeing who has grown up and such.
    xo,
    Karen

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    1. Hello Karen,

      How nice that you do send cards and include a photograph, which is after all, a very personal gesture.

      I did laugh at your comment on "the dreaded generic Christmas letter". I've been sent one of those for years from someone I've not seen in about two decades. I'm not sure what to make of it as it is a printed sheet, with news of a family I've never met (I only became acquainted with the sender professionally), and my name (as the recipient) is not even hand written at the top of the letter.

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  12. Christmas cards used to be one of my favorite traditions of the season. Like you I used to look forward to the mail to see how many had arrived and delighted in displaying them on the mantelpiece. I particularly liked the ones that showed a picture of the family in the same sweaters, dogs included!

    About three years ago I decided to start the tradition again and sent about fifty to dear old friends I hadn't heard from in awhile. Trust me, these were people I had been very fond of and close at one point or another in my life. Like neighbors and family friends. Not a single one responded with a card or otherwise. I was so distraught I cringe now at the mention of Christmas cards. As to "happy holidays" don't get me going.

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    1. I had to laugh at your "family in the same sweaters, dogs included" comment. I was once sent a card from a family that were straddling a jet ski in a bikini (the wife) and swimming trunks (the husband and son). I can't tell you how much that card stuck out like a sore thumb when displayed alongside the more traditional cards I received that year. Needless to say, that was one card I could not bring myself to save.

      Oh, and a very Merry Christmas to you too!

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  13. Dear CD,
    I, too, have always enjoyed the holiday ritual of sending and receiving greeting cards. However, I find those of us who take the time to send cards are a dwindling minority. Each year, the number of cards we receive decreases and it saddens me that this tradition is ignored by so many.
    Another (perhaps more alarming trend) are those who send thank yous via email or send no acknowledgement at all. There was a time when one always sent a hand written note of appreciation after a dinner invite or for a gift. Unfortunately, that gracious habit is rather rare these days. My mother was quite insistent on the necessity of sending a proper thank you note during my formative years and I remain grateful for that instruction.
    Best,
    Karen




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    1. Hello Karen,

      How nice that you still send cards each Christmas. It really is a lovely tradition to uphold.

      I am in total agreement with you when it comes to sending thank you notes, which I consider basic good manners. I always encourage my daughter to do the same when she has been sent a gift, for example, and I always send hand-written notes after someone has gone to all the trouble of inviting me to their home for dinner, or doing something thoughtful for me.

      Following on from our recent Thanksgiving celebratory dinner, I was overjoyed that my husband and I received hand-written notes (and in one case with photographs of the evening included) from all of our guests. It really was so very nice of them and I was overjoyed to learn that everyone enjoyed themselves.

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  14. A die hard traditionalist here. If one looks forward to and enjoys this wonderful holiday season neither sending nor receiving cards would leave a hole. It is a dark time of the year and this holiday about light, love, goodwill, is an opportunity to celebrate those for longer than one or two days. Cheers!

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  15. Nothing can replace the warmth of a handwritten card. It shows a much deeper consideration for the recipient than a hastily sent E-card, even 'nice' E-cards. I have saved most Christmas cards over the years, but can't think of doing the same with an email.

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    1. Hello Lord Cowell,

      Indeed, even exceptionally nice emails (sent at any time of the year) are difficult to save over long periods of time, what with computers crashing and lost data, which I'm sure we can all relate to. A paper Christmas card is really the only thing worth saving and reading time and time again.

      Delete

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