Memories of Christmas Cards
By Phyllis Sather
I still remember the disappointment I felt in December 1991 when Dan told me I would have to do a Christmas letter instead of sending individual Christmas cards. I was used to spending time choosing just the right card, then hand-writing a note in most of the 70 cards we sent out. I didn’t really intend to write a note in each one, but as I addressed each envelope I would remember something special we had done with that person or that they had done for us, and I just couldn’t help but jot them a little note. Believe me, I tried to shorten the list of handwritten notes, but each year I found myself compelled to write in “just one more card.” We only send cards to people we don’t see on a regular basis, since the ones we see often we can personally wish Merry Christmas, so this too pressed me to make the extra effort to write my beloved notes.
But Dan was right. With three children under 5, and Eric a preemie needing extra care, I just didn’t have time to hand-write 70 cards. But a bunch of copied letters seemed so – so – impersonal.
It was with great doubts that I sat down to type that first Christmas letter. What could I possibly say that would be meaningful to our family and friends, and not seem like mass production?
It’s taken some time, but now I find myself actually looking forward to writing our Christmas letter. I’ve even managed to find some advantages to writing a letter verses individual cards.
So, as I sat down to write this year’s letter, I fondly remembered my cards, but… my heart is now in our Christmas letters. Although, I must confess, I still find myself jotting a little note here and there. I guess it’s just too hard to break some habits.
Finding Joy in the Journey,
Phyllis
Proclaiming God’s Faithfulness at:
http://www.Phyllis-Sather.com
Meet Phyllis Sather
Phyllis lives with her husband Dan and three children in rural MN. Emily (20), Rebekah (18), and Eric (16), have always been homeschooled and are now working on Home College. She is passionate about family life, parenting, home education, and her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She has just completed her latest e-book, Purposeful Planning. Learn about the life changing way her family sought the Lord’s plan for them at: http://www.Phyllis-Sather.com. You may contact her at Phyllis@Phyllis-Sather.com