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I thought about sending Christmas cards this year, but when I looked for names and addresses in my old address book, I wasn’t sure.
This album is a longtime listing of important people, but over the years I have marked out or erased many of them. Some have moved and changed addresses and some have passed away.
As I flipped through, I found others no longer to be used and marked out more as they have moved, divorced, etc. This was really sad to do. Looking at all those no longer available, remembering all the cards I have sent in the past.
The next place to look was the telephone book. It used to be the place to find addresses. So many have changed to cell phones and canceled their in-house phones and the phone numbers and addresses are no longer listed.
Times have changed in so many ways it is hard to keep up any more. Sending Christmas cards is right there among them. If I can still find their phone numbers, maybe a call saying “Merry Christmas” will do.
Most likely greetings will be an email greeting or a “Merry Christmas” on Facebook. I suppose this will be okay with the changing of times being how it is. However, nothing expresses one’s feelings like a pretty card wishing a “Merry Christmas”, or that’s the way I feel.
Technology can be a good thing or not so good, according to how one sees it. With technology I am able to communicate with people all over the country, including cousins I haven’t seen for years. I chat with them every now and then on email or messenger, but for birthdays and Christmas, nothing satisfies like a pretty card sent through the mail.
I recently read an article about a lady who confessed she hated to send Christmas cards.
She said, “Don’t get me wrong, I love my friends and family and I understand mail is fun and I mean, who doesn’t want a picture of my cute family with a fancy monogrammed family initial on it? Rhetorical question, of course everyone wants that. Be that as it may, I am just not someone who relishes the idea of sending out Christmas cards and this year we are taking a break.”
Varying opinions from different folks. Sometimes deciding what kind of card to send can be a problem. Most of us may want to send religious cards since we are celebrating Jesus’ birthday. When looking among relatives and friends, there is just about every religion known, including those who celebrate Hanukah instead of Christmas. If we want to send cards, what kind do we decide on?
Do we send all cards of what we believe, or do we sort out and send them relative to what they believe? Maybe this is why so many have resorted to greetings of “Happy Holiday” instead of “Merry Christmas” trying to suit everybody.
While Christmas cards might be a heartfelt gesture, they seem to be on the decline. Even before the pandemic this was happening. Very sad, I say.
Maybe fewer cards are being send in the mail because of the price of stamps or whatever. I usually send out a few to special people, but so far I have received three Christmas cards. One of those was from my insurance company! Happily, I have received so many over email and Facebook.
Whatever you may decide about sending cards, remember the word “Christmas” comes from “Christ” who is our Lord and Savior. Maybe no cards from me, but my adoration for Him, His Love and His Birthday comes to you in a powerful and blessed “Merry Christmas” greeting. May all be well with you!

Retired as Associate News Editor, Bob Ann Breland writes a weekly column for The Daily News. You can email her at bobann70@att.net.