* A Holiday Post *
Confession : I’m not very good at sending Holiday cards…
Over the last few years, my list has gotten smaller and smaller, and even those few are lucky to get
them before New Years.
Historically, it usually goes a little something like this : every year I SAY I won’t be doing cards at all,
but invariably someone will send me one and I’ll feel the guilt-driven need to reciprocate. So one card
goes out. Then two. So on.
I bid my children to “Come sign so-and-so’s card!” If one or both of them are busy, it waits. Now,
another day has passed and the card sits, envelope addressed, waiting to go.
The days pass and now the “deadline” is upon us, so the meager few cards finally get sent out.
Obligatory texts and emails are sent apologizing that these all-important cards will be late.
(Better late than never, right?)
So as a result, I have FINALLY all but done away with the sending of Holiday cards. Thankfully, my
friends and family know this.
This Christmas card frustration in no way means that I don’t wish my Nearest and Dearest Happy
Holidays. But honestly, I wish them (and those reading this) Happy All-Your-Days.
I wish you all peace, joy and happiness in the eleven other months of the year, as well – not just
December.
My public stance on this topic is not a “blanket” statement warning folks not to expect anything from
me. (If those I love need anything from me, and I am capable of doing it – I will help in any way that I
can. Not just for Christmas, not just for yet another greeting card holiday. Anytime.)
After several years of excusing myself from card-sending, I have made peace with the fact that I’m
never going to be the perfect Christmas Card Queen in my reindeer sweater, with home baked treats for
everyone I’ve ever known. There won’t be a giant tree and lights that rival the
Griswald’s.
I am however, comforted by the fact that I make sure my kiddos are well taken care of on the
appropriate festive days, and it may or may not include a card.
A generic, greeting card does not glad tidings and best wishes, make.
So for those that struggle with greeting cards, it’s okay to stop doing it. (It can be especially tough on
the widowed crowd!)
If you love sending cards, however, then please keep on doing it! But feel free to take the pressure off
of yourself, if it’s causing you stress or is no longer positively serving you.
Your loved ones should understand. (And if not, feel free to show them this piece!)
I truly wish glad tidings, for all.
And that’s every day, not just the holidays.
On that note, if you are celebrating this holiday season, I hope yours are wonderful.
I am glad I am not the only that is really bad with the security guard, it is the thought that counts, right?