Christmas Cards

And now a few unsolicited thoughts (from me) about Christmas cards....

For the past couple years, as I prepare our Christmas letter/photo to send out, I question why I bother. But I so enjoy the month of December and the inevitable increase in mail. I love getting Christmas cards and letters so much, that I continue to do them myself.

In the past couple years, however, I've noticed a new trend. Each year the Holiday greetings get more and more impersonal. More often than not, I get nothing more than an updated photo of the kids and/or family.

Don't get me wrong...I love seeing what you and your kids look like, but what I really enjoy (and miss) is hearing about you. What is your family up to? What were some highlights of your year? What is God doing in your lives?

So many of my friends have become "Christmas card friends" and this is the one and only chance to get an update. Have we become so disconnected that all we can manage is to slip a photo into and envelope, throw a stamp on it and we're done? Do you ever open a Christmas letter and think, "Oh great. They sent a letter and now I have to read it."? I get so excited to read letters. Sometimes I read them between the mailbox and the house. Other times I make a cup of tea and take some time to really enjoy them. But just a photo? It feels incomplete and leaves me wondering how everyone is doing.

I certainly don't want to be the "high-maintenance" friend who needs her holiday greetings personalized, but I do appreciate the extra effort to include some words with your photo.

How would you classify yourself? If you are a photo sender, try something new this year and write a few words. Your time and effort won't be wasted, I promise!