“Why are you bothering with sending cards?” My friend was perplexed. She loves social media, and shares details of her life via Twitter and Facebook. She gives immediate updates and photos on all the events of her day, sort of as they are happening. To her, the idea of sending paper cards at the holidays seemed, as she said, “Antiquated.”
I love sending Christmas cards, but this conversation got me wondering: In this age of social media and instant updates, are Christmas cards still relevant? If my loved ones have seen most of my photos and status updates from the last year, does a Christmas card still matter, or does writing “Merry Christmas to All!” in my
Facebook profile suffice?
Like my friend, I also have affection for connecting with friends through Facebook, blogs and email. I love the way I am “present” in the lives of people I don’t get to see in person. This media gives us a chance for us to say, “Hey look, this is what’s happening in my life, I wanted to share it with you!” And we respond by saying things like “Yay, that’s great!” Or “Oooh, I wish there was a dislike button – thinking of you."
And while that connection is caring, there is something that is ephemeral about it – it’s so quick, so easy and we’re on to the next update. the next friend, the next email, the next thing.
That’s why writing the cards feels important to me. It’s a process that takes time – selecting the card, compiling the list, writing out the message, and finding the damn stamps. But in doing that work, especially in writing the message, I get to reflect on the people to whom I am sending the cards, to think about what is happening in their lives, and to write –in my scrawly, eligible handwriting - a message of love and peace and hope for the future.
And while we try, I just don’t think that kind of message gets communicated via Facebook or Twitter. For this kind of message to be understood, to be really felt, it needs to flow from your hand to paper, paper that is then held in the hand of the recipient.
So is writing these cards an antiquated idea like my friend suggested? I hope not. But no matter how we do it – in cards, online, in smoke signals - the important thing is that we do it, that we reach out each other and say I wish you peace. I wish you love. I wish you goodness for the New Year.
And to you dear reader, may all of these be present for you this holiday, and beyond.
Sending cards is intimate correspondence. I choose the card that best fits the person/family, write a small greeting, and often recall memories of shared times. It's like reading a print book versus kindle...it's personal, tangible, and so much more rewarding. I could not have dreamed these scenarios up...who knew that one day we'd consider reading printed books or sending cards and letters through the mail antiquated.
ReplyDeleteYou're on my Christmas Card list Marion! :-)
ReplyDeleteI hope they are not on the way to becoming obsolete. I admit I don't send a personal message in each one these days, only in some. But I too feel the sense of connection in each hand written sentiment and treasure the written ones just a bit more. Of course the hand written ones seem to come from those that haven't and perhaps won't engage in any kind of social media, so its a treat to hear from them.
ReplyDeleteAs part of making Christmas less stressful, I gave up sending cards a few years ago. Now I'm sorry I did that, because I no longer hear from some of my old friends. (They are not on Facebook, and I may as well not be because I rarely log in and never post.) Ah, but with retirement, I will return to sending cards. I believe I will also close my Facebook account.
ReplyDeleteAs much as I enjoy blogs, email, and Facebook connect I still love getting and giving real Christmas cards. I send electronic cards too, but the paper one hand written have so much more meaning.
ReplyDeleteIf you are thinking of giving up the tradition ofsending holiday cards, please make an exception for those on your list who are elderly. For most,the arrival of the mail is a daily highlight just as it was when they were young. I am sad that I didn't write more "real" letters and cards to my mom instead of urging her to enjoy the "complicated" computer that added stress to her life.
ReplyDeleteYES! SEND CARDS!!!
ReplyDeleteobviously, i'm a true believer...
if you need ANY holiday cards from me, please let me know and i'd be more than honored to send them to you as my gift to you, marion!
I've always been a huge supporter of the lovely tradition of sending old fashioned paper cards with real handwriting, in ink. This is the first year I've actually considered not sending them. You've inspired me to reconsider.
ReplyDeleteI have mixed feelings on the cards. I remember my mother sitting for hours, days, writing out Christmas cards and getting friends caught up on the previous year. It was lovely to send and receive cards.
ReplyDeleteNow, I get so frustrated and a little sad, too, that 99% of the cards I receive are pre-printed - from the address labels to the message to the signature. I feel like I am on a mailing list. I hate that.
I send cards and I make sure to, at the very least, sign my name to each and every one. I usually write a little message, too.
I do fear that Christmas cards are on the way out, though.
I have conflicted feelings about Christmas cards. One one hand, I will readily admit that they are my most daunting seasonal "chore." (Telling choice of noun, here.) One of the reasons is that I always do a picture of my girls, and it can be difficult/stressful managing to get a good one. On the other hand, cards are one of my most important Xmas traditions and I LOVE getting personalized cards. Cards are a really important tradition in the UK, and people tend to give cards to everyone -- all of the people they see everyday -- and not just to far-off friends and family.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I don't think a message from Facebook is even remotely the same as a card . . . but I will admit that card-giving is an expensive and time-consuming tradition.
Christmas cards have started arriving here and I find myself feeling loved and appreciated. It's just such a blessing. Of course, don't ask me if mine are ready to mail yet or not.
ReplyDeleteThe thing is that not everyone is on facebook. Our ancient aunts and contemporary cousins still want to see the picture I've chosen this year. They still want 'the news,' the little notes I write about what my kids are doing. One of my fondest, deepest memories is my mother writing the notes on Christmas cards. I have continued her work, and my 28-year old daughter seems to be following in both our footsteps, even though she is 'connected.' You have a really special, wonderful blog. I shall be back. I found you from a comment you left on Cait O'Connor's blog.
ReplyDelete