A Love Letter to Holiday Cards

I’ll admit it, I’m late to the party, and in this instance, the party is about sending holiday cards on time… Although when I think about it, I feel almost like an anachronism in my delight in sending paper through the mail to family (given and chosen), friends, and colleagues around the world. So, perhaps I get a little grace?

Growing up, when holiday cards started arriving, my mom would hang red ribbon on a wall at the entryway of our home, and every card would be taped to the ribbon—it was festive and a reminder of our family and friends around the world. It’s a memory that brings tears to my eyes…honestly, a tradition I haven’t thought about in years. The dozen or so holiday cards we received this year adorn our coffee and dinner tables. They are happy reminders of our connections.

In part, I send New Year’s cards because almost everyone I know likes the beginning of a new year. Whether you like the way the old one came together and you’re hoping for more of the same, or you’re really done with the last year and the new one brings hope or feelings of promise, it feels inclusive to wish everyone a happy new year, from both religious/spiritual and practical perspectives.

And, truth be told, I LOVE stationery and pens—I buy cards every time I visit a museum. I love receiving cards and letters–I grew up writing letters—perhaps in part, a consequence of attending sleepaway camp for 10 years… away from home for 8 weeks, I dialed home once a week to talk with my parents on a Sunday afternoon. So letters were a tangible connection to my parents and my friends back home. I wrote letters as an exchange student in France, maintaining my relationships while being away for a few months of my junior year of high school. I loved sharing my adventures. I wrote and received missives. It’s how I really got to know some of my friends, because we’d say things in letters that we might find almost too personal to share face-to-face.

And (you know me), I love to draw, so now, every year, I create a visual that encapsulates the year – notably the delights and adventures but also some of the challenges. I keep it real without getting heavy. This year, I found it difficult to write a brief note in each card. It’s not that my sentiments weren’t clear–it’s that being pithy after such a big year (personally and in this country) was difficult for me. I wished everyone on my list good health, finding moments of joy every day, and inner peace and abundance… and the truth is, I wish everyone hope, strength, a sense of belonging, great adventures (if they want them), and the year they desire.

I wish the same for you.

In this New Year’s card, I shared one of my favorite sentiments expressed by Mary Oliver,

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

I’d love to hear your answer.

And, I’m happy to share mine in return–we could even write it in a letter! (Did I say that I’m a

part of The Sunday Letter Project?) If you love writing letters, check it out, let me know what you think! If you’d like to receive a postcard or note card from my vast collection of stationery, send me an email with your home address, and I’m happy to oblige. You could be the person I write to this coming Sunday.

Wishing us all a year of good health, peace, finding moments of joy every day, and abundance.

Live every day!