Don't judge me, but I didn't send any holiday cards in 2015. I didn't return from a trip to England until the week before Christmas and, frankly, I couldn't be bothered to do a last-minute scramble.
While I think it's daft to send cards to people you see all the time, it is nice to receive a card from an old friend you haven't seen in years and the ones from elderly relatives always raise a smile. Cards from your children are the absolute best.
Maybe it was because my dear dad died last year and my mother said, understandably, that she wasn't going to send any cards at Christmas that I decided I wouldn't either. I can see that not writing your husband's name alongside yours for the first time in 61 years would be a painful reminder of your loss.
The sympathy cards we received after Dad's passing were so comforting. Mum noticed who didn't send one. It reminded me that I must be more thoughtful when friends lose loved ones. It was a costly error not to send elderly relatives holiday cards, because I felt obliged to send them flowers in case they aren't here when Christmas rolls around again.
As I took down the few decorations I put up and re-read the cards friends and relatives had been kind enough to send, each one made me smile. I've kept them to remind me who to send one to this year.
Susanna Young of Paperlove Boutique said, "In this time of emails, texting and social media, the importance of a handwritten note is making a beautiful comeback. I love the convenience of the computer as much as the next person, but we have grown so used to the immediacy and 'to-the-point' communication that technology encompasses, it can be difficult to put pen to paper. Sometimes an email just won't do."
Taking the time to write something from the heart without any deleting, spellchecking or emojis can be intimidating, but the more you do it, the more natural it becomes. The joy in finding a favorite pen to write with, a beautiful card or stationery to place your words on, and a cosy place to write, can be so inspiring as you share a written moment to a loved one, colleague or friend. It doesn't have to be anything earth-shattering or brilliant, just heartfelt. A thank you, a birthday wish, a condolence, a get well message or my favorite... just because. To let a loved one know you're thinking of them and that they're pretty awesome, can truly make their day.
I have stocked up on cards for every eventuality and bought holiday cards in the sale for this year. I want to make people smile, one card at a time.