why I still send Christmas cards (and an addendum to those that received them)

Emails and viral videos and tweets, oh my!

But during the holiday season, don't mess with my Christmas cards. Seriously.

It's no secret that I love stationery. This passion stems from my college days at Jane Weber, Ink! on Michigan Ave. I mean, how many 18-year-old's did you know with an engraving plate in England?

So while I do wholeheartedly believe in living as green and sustainable as I can, I appreciate a beautifully crafted, handwritten note. The same goes for Christmas cards. There's just something about receiving the greeting in the mail once a year. (And so we all know, I do buy cards from a fantastic company that produces cards on recycled paper in which no new trees are cut down.)

As more people are turning to social media and e-cards, this holiday custom is changing. And perhaps my work as a community manager is contributing to that.

Ok, who am I kidding? It's totally contributing to it.

But I have sent Christmas cards with Amara's photo every year since she was born. And I may continue to do so until I send her off to college.

Yes, a text from a friend is better than no contact at all. But there are no words to express the simple joy and surprise that fills my heart when I open my mailbox and find a Christmas card.

I love the cards Amara and I have already received. Each one is hung on our door as a reminder of how full and blessed we are.

For those of you reading this blog post today or my tweet on Christmas, I genuinely do wish you a peace filled holiday.

But for those of you who will be receiving a card from me this year, I want to add an extra note that just couldn't be expressed in the limited space I had:

I am so glad you are a part of my life. And of Amara's life. Your friendship means so much to me that I stood in line at the post office the Saturday before Christmas in hopes this card made it to you on time. Thanks for loaning me $20 when I couldn't put gas in my car. Thank you for talking me off the ledge when I didn't believe in myself. Thanks for wine and good conversation. We may not see each other or speak to each daily but Christmas is meant to be spent with loved ones. And my hope is that my card has found you!

Heaven knows I don't view cards as a way to show off our "awesome" life. And ask my BFF. Even choosing photos and an online vendor does not make sending Christmas cards "convenient" and stress-free.

In the end, it's my way of keeping one age old tradition - and one or two treasured relationships - alive.