Will you rediscover the power of Christmas cards this year, connecting with people beyond social media and email and do something far more meaningful?
Have you ever felt overwhelmed in the run up to Christmas? Or in the winter season when everyone seems to be going to parties or spending it with families?The holidays can stir up mixed feelings and for some people it can feel quite lonely. Even if you are surrounded by other people you can still feel quite isolated. I know from experience that sometimes its people you don’t expect that can make your day so much brighter.
There’s often a pressure to meet others' expectations, deliver gifts on time, decorate beautifully, and manage social occasions, all while balancing a regular life. Not to mention, Christmas memories from the past can sometimes add a layer of nostalgia or even sadness. For anyone who feels weighed down by this season, you’re not alone! One easy way to show someone you are thinking of them is to write to them. (see my previous blog post on the many reasons why this is so good for yours and their mental health)
Why not make Christmas card sending special again this year? Without doubt, they are not as popular as they were and a large part of that is the cost of postage and people not wanting to be wasteful with something that may just be thrown away. However, for some people they can be something so important. Personally, I have always been one to save special cards… I have a box containing ones written that are special with senders who have passed away and yet they connect me to them and bring back memories of childhood Christmases: roasting in front of a log fire in a tiny room, surrounded by my aunts and uncles, playing charades and drinking sherry!
For those who are elderly and not as connected with technology as some people, cards are a reminder that someone cares. Do you remember as a child the excitement of post arriving at Christmas and opening the cards to hang on the wall? I do… they were a splash of colour and often had greetings inside them or family news. Everybody loves post that you can see is handwritten and personal. Christmas is one of the easiest times of year to put pen to Christmas card and write a personal note. Let’s try and reverse the trend of not sending Christmas cards… Give thought to who will value your time and personal touch.
Christmas cards are so much a part of Christmas decorations, filling the shelves and mantle pieces with wintery seasonal pictures. Whether it’s stringing them across the walls or card holders they are as much a part of Christmas decorations as your Christmas tree… if you want to receive more …. Send more!
A personal card is a great opportunity to also say thankyou. I often think we don’t do this enough. We get swept up all too easily in rushing around. What are you thankful for to the person you are writing to? For their company? Friendship? Making you laugh? For their wisdom? Or for their time and help?
Who will you send a card to this year? Your card could make the difference to someone who might otherwise feel less connected. It shows that you are thinking about them. When someone posts on social media that they are donating to charity that’s great, but does it really connect you to the people that are important to you? A card that is not a mass produced one but a thoughtful one with a unique image will no doubt be something that makes people smile and also draw attention as something to talk about.
And Don’t forget …Christmas cards are an opportunity to also support small businesses. A generic box of Christmas cards from the supermarket, mass produced may still brighten some ones day, but buying cards from a small business can make a huge difference to that person. For many artists a lot of the return they get for their time is through people buying cards. Its something I do whenever I go to an art show. I may not have the money or space for my perfect choice of art work but by buying a card I can still give my support and have something lovely in return. I’m sure when you have received a Christmas card that is different to the norm it has meant more to you to know its been chosen by someone supporting a good cause or a small business. My Christmas cards are as little as £2 each when bought in a set.
Send more Christmas cards this year
and share a personal touch in a digital world.
Comments