I mailed out my Christmas cards today.
I felt a little old-fashioned standing in line at the post office, a stack of cards in hand, waiting for my turn to buy Christmas stamps. I bought the ornament stamps, BTW. It seems that in this day and age, fewer and fewer people are sending out cards.
I remember sending out cards the very first year that I had moved out of my Mom's house. It seemed a right of passage. I was a grown-up now, in my eyes at least, so I was sending out my very own slice of Christmas cheer.
I used to endlessly scour the stores to pick out the exact card that I thought personified who I was. And even though what personified me changed each year, I just knew THE cards when I found them.
I would sit down on the floor in front of my coffee table, new pen in hand (had to be a new pen), cold beer hot chocolate in front of me and write out my cards. And not just sign them, actually write a little holiday blurb in each one specific to the intended recipient.
To say I used to enjoy Christmas card writing immensely would be an understatement. To say I am a little bit of a dork about all things Christmas-related would also be an understatement.
Now it seems that more and more people are doing away with sending out cards. Not sending them altogether or sending ecards instead. To me, opening an ecard is just not the same as opening up a paper card from someone. There's something about the anticipation of seeing the cards come in the mail, opening the envelope, catching a glimpse of the pretty scenes on the front and reading the message tucked away inside the card.
Clicking, reading, and having a giant dog wearing a Santa hat tap dance across your computer screen is just not the same.
But with today's new-fangled technologies, ie Facebook and email, it seems like Christmas cards are not a necessary part of keeping in touch with someone. You don't have to wait all year long to see that their kid got out of braces or they took a vacation to Hawaii. Their life is all in front of us daily, if we choose to accept them as a "friend".
I wonder if, in five years, I will send out cards at all.
Do you still send out Christmas cards?
And why is the snowcat above smoking pipe?
Please feel free to print out any of the images and use them in your holiday crafting.
Patty
Just sent out a bunch of cards today. I wasn't sure I'd get any done, but I at least like to send some to those I received cards from and others who I only hear from once a year. I did send out a little Christmas video to folks who are nearby and I see more often. I would much rather give and receive a personal note with a paper card.
the snow cat has a pipe because you always see a pipe in a snow creature's mouth. I think a mouse would have been cuter, though.
Merry Christmas !
Faye ~ Wild Rose Vintage
I did the same thing as you when I was first out on my own, find the perfect cards and write a message to each person. I still write cards, mostly to friends out of state so I still add a short message. Each year I say this will be the last but then I go ahead and do it anyway. I have never sent an e-card nor received one...thank goodness!
By the way, love your postcard images!
Merry Christmas!
Faye
Crystal Rose Cottage
Yes, I still send them out and I still recieve them but every year it changes. Some have passed on and some are new friends. I think it is a nice tradition but it's not getting any cheaper!~Hugs, Patti
Vickie @ Ranger 911
I LOVE to get Christmas cards in the mail, so I still send them. When our girls were home we made photo greeting cards with their picture on them. I still make photo cards, but now I add a wintery picture that I have taken.
Tammi Evette
I love sending out Christmas cards and finding just the right one is half the fun! I think as long as I can afford stamps and the cards I will do so! New follower :0)
Olive Cooper
Joe and I always send cards and love that personal touch. It is special just as you said to receive a card in the mail. I have zero use for Facebook and have never sent an e-card. Perhaps I am a dinosaur but I like the way we live and technology never replaces how we touch people in real and tangible ways.
TARYTERRE
You sound like me in the old days. I'd spend hours picking out perfect cards to send. Writing little personal notes inside each one, with a NEW calligraphy pen. But somewhere along the way, postage went up and the people I was sending them to stopped sending cards back. Everybody started sending wishes via e-mail. So that's what we do now. I still get excited about opening their messages. That silly cat smoking a pipe is a tad bit disconcerting. Take care.
Ann@A Sentimental Life
yes I still send out cards. and I love all the ones you showed. I always get mine from Victorian papers,
Protector of Vintage
Yes, I send cards and probably always will. However, I don't receive very many 🙁
Ceekay- Thinkin of Home
I do send out cards...and I will continue to do so, why? because I am a stubborn German who thinks that is what is the way to send a greeting!! I love getting cards, but I think I have gotten maybe 10....it is so sad to me. A tweet saying Happy Holidays just doesn't do it....and
have NO IDEA why cat is smoking a pipe...but I do hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas!
Debby
I still send them out. I have always done a Christmas letter and pictures. I always get reponses that how they liked my letter.....wonder what they really think. My husband called me a Bah Humbug this year because I didn't write a letter. He loves them, prejudice. But I felt like you said.....everyone already knows everything. I sent the picture of my grandkids that is on my blog.
I get very few cards each year....but I still send them. Love getting the mail in December. I just wonder if there will be postal service in five years.
I have no idea why that cat is smoking a pipe. Makes you wonder what is in it with all the other furry ones waiting there turn.....smile.
((((((HUGS)))))
Carol A.Bender
Very nice vintage post cards. A friend and I were just talking this morning about only sending cards to those we don't see very often. Knowing me I'll be the "different" one sending more cards than ever once everyone else stops.
Susie Q
Uh huh, we did. I actually love doing them and going to the PO for stamps. I so look forward to getting them as well. Our list has dwindled from a high of 300 back in the active duty Navy years to 100 now but I still enjoy it. : )
Love,
Sue
Pat
I still send them to people I don't talk to all the time. But the old saying, "you gotta send em to get em " isn't necessarily true. Too many are just not sending. Glad you do!
Linda @ A La Carte
I still send cards and did so this year. I love to send them and get them but get fewer and fewer each year. Oh and the cat is smoking a pipe because it's a snowman 'cat' corncob pipe...you know! LOL@ Love the vintage postcards.
Kim K.
I wasn't going to send out cards this year with all the 'extra' stress that happened of late, but decided that it was more important than ever. I still love going to the mailbox to see cards and family pictures this time of year. Love your vintage postcards, Pam.