I still send them out every year. It’s become a rite of the season, even as the tradition of letter writing falters and my penmanship along with it. But the lights must go up, gifts wrapped, cookies baked, cards ordered and mailed. All these things, repeated year after year, have a way of blurring the present and the past, and filling the last few weeks of December with a sense of nostalgia potent as the smell of balsam needles and wood smoke. My mailing list includes the names of people I’ve known since childhood. Some I haven’t spoken to for decades, and most likely will never see again. The card is often the final connection to a friendship that’s faded, though its meaning hasn’t. It’s a card sent into the past, really, to a time and place that no longer exists – except in my memory. For me, though, one of the best parts of the season is that chance to remember. To travel with the Ghost of Christmas Past back to a time when everyone you ever loved is still alive and well. It’s what makes this darkest month of the year worth celebrating, despite the cost of postage going up.
Christmas Mail
by Ted Kooser
Cards in each mailbox,
angel, manger, star and lamb,
as the rural carrier,
driving the snowy roads,
hears from her bundles
the plaintive bleating of sheep,
the shuffle of sandals,
the clopping of camels.
At stop after stop,
she opens the little tin door
and places deep in the shadows
the shepherds and wise men,
the donkeys lank and weary,
the cow who chews and muses.
And from her Styrofoam cup,
white as a star and perched
on the dashboard, leading her
ever into the distance,
there is a hint of hazelnut,
and then a touch of myrrh.
Beautiful!
I am a bit of a throwback . I prefer the cards sent in the mail by far. So much more personal, warm, and meaningful, and yes, conjures many memories and connections of the past.
We have lost so much in this current society and many no longer send cards. I feel that loss. As for the price of stamps that increases…..yes, but people seem to have money, or many do , to shop online ,etc. so I feel it is more a kind of laziness or inconvenient for some. I remember my late CT grandmother’s many cards at the holidays…sent and received with notes, sometimes letters. Will never forget..
Merry Christmas and peace in the New Year.
“The card is often the final connection to a friendship that’s faded, though its meaning hasn’t. It’s a card sent into the past, really, to a time and place that no longer exists – except in my memory. For me, though, one of the best parts of the season is that chance to remember. To travel with the Ghost of Christmas Past back to a time when everyone you ever loved is still alive and well.”
This really brought tears to my eyes. I have some of the same feelings and thoughts at this time of year. I got my presents bought, wrapped mailed and ordered the cards and sent them and the tree is up and stockings hung…and am waiting on grand kids to make cookies…but the nostalgia of christmas’s past…really brings the heart of the matter to the forefront…all those people we knew…grew up around all those adults and so many are gone…and as you say some of the people we send to we never see anymore but the love…the caring it is still there and so wonderful to be sent out and they are acknowledged for once there was a time where all that began. So much love sent your way.
I am with you regarding sending Christmas cards. I love buying them, writing and sending them. And of course receiving them! With all the changes in ones life this is a constant for me.
Even if no personal note is enclosed it is good to hear from people. It often is a connection to the past, you remember each other.
Having said that I wish you all a wonderful holiday season and the best for the new year.
Wishing You & Bill sweet holidays, and a healthy year ahead full of beauty, wonder, giggles, compassion and love.
Hugs from the West Village