I had a few moments the other day, and took a quick peek at some blogs. One that caught my attention was Desiree's. Desi was talking about the fact that she is going to change some of her holiday traditions. What she had to say made considerable sense, and got me to thinking about things I might want to do differently.
Other than decorating less, and focusing less on overwhelming gifts, there is one thing I'd like to change: Christmas cards. I've run the gamut of options when it comes to Christmas cards. I've given them to everyone I know, to no one, to just family, to just friends, to family and select friends. I have a problem with the idea of sending out a card with a pre-printed message and just our names at the bottom.
I was thinking at the beginning of November that I would be able to make time to write to people to let them know how thankful I had been for their friendship and help this year. By the time I was addressing Christmas cards (this is a family and friends year), I was really dissatisfied that I didn't have the time to say more to each of them.
I think I know how I want to resolve this issue. Next year, I plan to make a list of family and friends, and each day write a letter to one of them. For every day from the day after Thanksgiving, to New Year's Day, I hope to tell someone that I've been thinking about them, and how important their friendship is to me.
It seems that would be so much more satisfying than a card. Even when you find just the right card, and that's much more difficult in these days of political correctness, it still doesn't convey exactly how you feel. So, this might be the best of all worlds.
I know it will be a busy time. I know that it could be difficult to make the time, but if my goal is to write just ONE letter a day, I think I can accomplish that. And, if I find I have more friends than days, I can always start the project earlier.
What do you think? Are there traditions that you might change?
Thanks, Desi, for getting me to think about this!
Comments (9)
I think it's a lovely idea. Personal letter are always a gift.
Posted by janet | December 9, 2006 3:41 PM
Posted on December 9, 2006 15:41
I agree with you, Janet. My youngest sister writes the most wonderful letters. I'm always delighted to get one, especially since I know how jam-packed her days are.
It seems the idea of a personal note is fading away, along with fountain pens, don't you think?
Posted by buffy | December 9, 2006 4:15 PM
Posted on December 9, 2006 16:15
Hello Buffy,
I do think that your idea of one letter a day from thanksgiving to New Year is awesome... that could touch so many people that are meaningful to you.
I was very glad to come across that article in Todays' Parent"... it was so worthy of sharing, as it could get us thinking differently on how we approach Christmas and get us doing things that make sense to us, and those that matter most. I'm glad to hear how it is impacting others as well.
Posted by Desiree | December 11, 2006 12:30 AM
Posted on December 11, 2006 00:30
You are setting the bar pretty high, Buffy. If I could get one letter written every quarter (of the year), I would be ecstatic. (And the recipients would be prostrate from shock!)
Posted by Cop Car | December 11, 2006 7:52 AM
Posted on December 11, 2006 07:52
Desiree, it was just what I needed. Your post started me thinking about what could make the holidays more meaningful to me, and perhaps bring back some of the joy. I'm really glad you chose to write about it. Thanks!
Cop Car.....yeah....I did. I don't know if I'll be able to do it, but it seems like such a worthwhile effort. I loved the note I got from you this summer. I've written one to you in my head about once a week. Maybe I should make you one of the first on that list! *G*
Merry Christmas, ladies!
Posted by buffy | December 11, 2006 9:53 AM
Posted on December 11, 2006 09:53
Buffy--Awww...we write to one another once or twice a week--via our blogs, if not by email. You have my permission to put those, who aren't so fortunate, right up front! (Although...is there anyone who falls into that category? I suspect that you are great at letting your friends hear from you.)
Posted by Cop Car | December 11, 2006 8:20 PM
Posted on December 11, 2006 20:20
Hmmm, now you've got me thinking Buffy. Personally, I think I'll be changing my tradition regarding Xmas cards too...I'm not sure how yet....maybe the amount. I try to write a few sentences in each one...some more, some less. Another thing I've been TRYING to change is the amount of decorations I put up....but; I've had no success. I always wind up putting as much out as the previous year. I'm just a slave to these things. Happy Holidays Buffy!!
Posted by Joy | December 12, 2006 9:13 AM
Posted on December 12, 2006 09:13
Cop Car, I really wish I was better at letter writing. Communicating via the Internet has probably put me in touch with more of my friends, but it's just not quite the same as holding a letter someone has sent to you. I suspect that you're just afraid that you'll get sucked into this, and have to write back! *G* Don't worry, my friend, this is my dream, not yours. You can keep in touch by computer, and I'll be very happy to get your e-mail.
Posted by buffy | December 12, 2006 8:48 PM
Posted on December 12, 2006 20:48
Joy, I suspect that you will know when the time is right to cut back on some of the decorations. I haven't done it all at one time. We still decorate, we just don't decorate everything that doesn't move. The cat looks a lot calmer these days! He used to have to keep moving around or sprout reindeer antlers! *G*
I made a list of the cards that I sent out. I was astonished to find that I had sent over sixty cards. So far, we have received about ten. I think that the tradition of Christmas cards is waning, so this is a good time for me to shift over to writing letters to my friends.
Posted by buffy | December 12, 2006 8:52 PM
Posted on December 12, 2006 20:52