Holiday Cards and Letters – Welcome Greeting Ritual or Superfluous Task?
December 15, 2008 by Mary Ellen
I cherish the Holiday card ritual. Like many people, I complain about writing my cards except I don’t hand-address them. A few years ago I decided that nicely printed labels could suffice so I write the recipient’s name, a simple greeting and sign the card. Then I include the traditional letter, my annual connection to out-of-state friends.
The U.S. Post Office will process 960 million cards and letters today – nearly double the usual total. Yet, volume is 15% down. In a non-scientific survey (I’ve asked) I determined the people I know are receiving less cards. Maybe it’s the rising cost of mail or the cost of cards themselves. Cutting the greeting card is economically prudent.
I suspect the shortened shopping season (fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas) contributes to the problem. There aren’t enough days in the week and hours in each day. Ah, so we get to the busyness excuse. Truly, time is precious. It’s difficult to find the time to write a Christmas letter. I remember my Mother emphasizing the letter took full advantage of the stamp. In these days of self-publishing and color prints, many opt out of cards and send a colorful newsletter, instead.
No question, I enjoy sending and receiving cards and letters. One year I waited too long to begin the process and so I intentionally sent New Year’s cards. As a ritual it failed. The following year I was right back in the scramble to get my cards addressed. And as for letters, I’ve experimented with stories, poems and general news flashes, and continue to change my mind, but the card wins every time.
In fact, I have cards waiting to go now. I’m considering eliminating the Holiday letter and shortening the list of card recipients. In view of the trend, I’m questioning everything. I suspect the ritual will win in the end. It doesn’t seem right to write on a Facebook wall or to tweet everyone!
Comments
Feel free to leave a comment...
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!
Search
Recent Posts
Categories
Useful Links
Archives