Christmas Cards

Call me scrooge if you want. I've decided that the whold Christmas Card business and holiday gift giving is way to stressful. I can never understand why a person goes through so much stress and frustration just to send out a Christmas card to people you never talk to anyway. The same goes for the people that say "oh, I have to buy a stupid gift for so and so."

Maybe that's why no one sends me a card anymore. In my lifetime (Ok adulthood), I've gotten cards out for Christmas, maybe one time. Ususally it's a "Holiday Greeting", meaning New Year's is about the time I get it in the mail. Last year, it was spring time before I got around to announcing our move and wishing everyone a Chrsitmas wish. I had to do a lot of internet searching and digging to try and find everyone's address.

As far as Gifts go, I believe in showing appreciation and giving joyfully. Chrsitmas trinkets and social pressure do not drive me to want to give (or get for that matter). Why not give a gift at a surprise time? Isn't that the difference between a gift and a present? The gift of friendship or help counts too!

I know my reason for going through the struggle is that deep down I secertly hope that one of the people from my past would pick up the phone and say - "Hey, I know it has been a while, but how's life?". I may have been a bad friend, but these people meant something to me. They impacted my life is a significant way. So that's why I send a card, but not this year. I'm done hoping my life away. Time to step into reality. The people that are involved in our lives will get a card and no one else. If you know me, and don't get one, then pick up the phone and call. In this day and age of technology, there is no reason not to get in contact with someon.

How about you? Why do you send the card out? or Why don't you? Think about it next time. Why only at Chrsitmas? Wouldn't these friends like a mid-year update? Maybe it would take the pressure off the need to send a Christmas greeting.

I'm just wondering what the motivation is. I know I love getting everyone's letters and pictures, but it wouldn't matter what time of year it is.

Don't do something if you don't feel the joy in your heart when you do it. It's not being lazy if you don't send a card or buy a gift.

You are truly giving a gift if you can do it joyfully.

Blessings of the season!