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December 21, 2005
Writing Holiday Cards
It was really tough this year writing Christmas cards. I got really busy as Christmas approached (who doesn't?) and I was hard pressed to find time to write cards.But still, I did it. I resisted reading, shopping, sleeping - and managed to get all my cards done. I almost ditched the effort. I almost gave in to despair and blew it off.
I'm glad I didn't.
I got a few Christmas cards this year. Most had pictures of family and their kids, or just their kids. It's great to see how the kids have grown. Inside, I found well wishes for good holiday cheer and a happy new year.
I think it's great that people find the time to send cards. It shows that they are thinking of you during the holiday season, a time when you're supposed to think of others.
However, ever since last year, I have taken a slightly different approach to sending holiday cards than the sending of cards with only the holiday wish in it. I chose to personalize each card with a special message to that person or family based on my relationship to them this last year.
If you try this, you'll find your mailing list will lessen considerably as mine did. Over these last two years, I've only managed to really keep in touch with a small close group of people. And I'm really thankful that I was able to do so, given all my personal upheavals, my travels, and my busy schedule.
And so to thank them, I have written a special, personalized message to them in each card and have found the time to do so. I thank them for our relationship and our continued friendship.
Unfortunately, this method does leave out a whole bunch of people, like extended family whom I unfortunately don't keep in close touch with. And there are other friends whom I haven't seen in a long while and they won't get a card from me either.
Perhaps it is good to send a mass mailing to everyone, in that people whom you wouldn't normally keep in touch with would also get to hear what you're up to.
But I chose to use my limited time to send a personalized message to those who took the time over this last year to interact with me. Somehow I just felt that this would be better and more full of value and care than if I sent out a generically messaged card to everyone in my rolodex...?
Posted by dshen at 06:58 AM
