It’s a been a slow year for Christmas cards. I used to get a lot of them, but so far this year I’ve only received four, and one of them was from my insurance company, and therefore does not count. And by the by, why do insurance companies, investment firms, banks, etc. send me greeting cards? Is it meant to imply a personal touch? That I am, in fact, more than just a number in a database? Because I call bullshit on that. Based on the current balance of my checking account, I’m pretty sure I’m not the most valued customer anywhere and paying me lip service on my birthday and Christmas does not change that fact. I would prefer it if they’d just save the money on greeting cards and postage and give me a lower interest rate. That would make me feel valued and important. Just a helpful tip from Izzybella. Use it wisely.
I did not know that rant was in me. Wow.
So, anyway, cards. As I was saying, I haven’t received many, but I think it’s pretty humorous that despite the scarcity this year, I still have at least one representation from the three major card categories.
First, there are the unabashed “reason for the season” cards. These have some type of nativity scene or picture representing the birth of Christ-there may perhaps be a scripture or a gentle reminder that Christmas is about more than gifts exchanging hands. I confess that I go for this type frequently. What can I say? I’m a sucker for a good origin story. My Southern Baptist co-worker passed along this type along with a mini-loaf of pumpkin bread that is to die for. But I digress. The cover of the card has one of those cute almost-cartoon-like nativity scenes with a scripture from 1 John. I wouldn’t mind this type of card even if I weren’t a Christian. Faith is such a deeply personal thing, so I’m flattered when someone chooses to share that with me, whether I personally dig their faith or not.
Then there’s the card with a Christmas tree or Santa Claus on the front. They may not dwell on the reason for the season overmuch, but they aren’t afraid to wish a Merry Christmas, as opposed to your generic “Enjoy the holidays” sentiment (the third and final category). This year’s unafraid to wish you a Merry Christmas card came from a co-worker. Christmas tree, presents, and candy canes adorn the front cover while inside, I am wished “a Christmas that’s Merry and Bright.” Most cards I’ve received in the past fall under this category.
Then there’s your generic card that strives for political correctness. They don’t mention Christmas so as not to offend the population who don’t celebrate that particular holiday. You just get a vague “Enjoy the season/holiday/happy new year” that offends no one yet is bland and sort of dull. I received two cards of this pursuasion, one from the aforementioned insurance company and one from another co-worker.
I still think it’s sad that the practice of sending Christmas cards seems to be waning. I know it takes a lot of time to address all those envelopes and get them to the post. For some of my friends, that’s the only time of year I hear from them. That’s sad too, but it’s a fact of life. I’d rather hear from them once a year, around Dec. 25th, than not at all. It seems in the rush to uncomplicate our lives, we’re losing some of our best traditions. I can live without the annual baking frenzy. I don’t need the outside of the house to be decorated to the nines. I’m not all that crazy about hot cider anyway. But human contact? That I need.
Merry Christmas. Happy Hanukkah. Long Live Kwanzaa. Enjoy Boxing Day. (What is Boxing Day, oh wise Canadian friends?) In short, enjoy celebrating whatever it is you cherish and love. I’ll be sure to do likewise.
