Yesterday I ordered our holiday cards.  And I feel like I’m crazy every year I do it.  Who started this tradition anyway?

I won’t deny it; with mail being what it is nowadays, we get more advertisement and bills than any personal cards.  Even invitations  have been reduced to E-vites (which I’m not complaining, because that makes everyone’s life a lot easier.

But the personal touch of receiving a letter mostly comes but once a year.  And I won’t deny it that I run to the mailbox every day in December to see who we get a card from, simply because it is such a treat.  But I WILL be honest; It is a HUGE pet peeve when parents just put their kids on the card.  Chances are I knew you before you had kids, so just put your damn self in there – especially since it may be the only time of the year anyone will see you.

And with that, I’m going to go off on the excuses why parents don’t put themselves in the cards, which include but are not limited to: “I don’t have any makeup on”, or  “I have gained a few pounds” or “Hubby didn’t feel the need to be in the picture so we will just pass this year” etc…..

As a photographer, I implore parents to put themself in the picture.   When I look back at pictures of my parents I don’t say, “OH…she wasn’t wearing any MAKEUP in this picture!!!”  or “WOW…that was the year she put on a few….” (pounds).  NO…I simply look at my parents and say, “There they are!  I love them no matter what!”  Be aware of how many pictures your kids have of you!!! It does matter!

But I digress……This isn’t about chastising people, it’s about the joy I get when I go to the mailbox!!

In years past, I had the cards in the mailbox the day before thanksgiving, so people would get them ON Thanksgiving.  This year, I’m lucky if I can get them ordered by December 1.

And lets now talk about finding current addresses.  Geez.  So many people have moved, I have a hard time keeping up!

(actually, thinking of that I need to start compiling; so if you are reading this and have gotten my cards in the past – PLEASE make sure I have the most recent address for you.)

It’s the one time of year we take time to actually reach out and connect with one another.  I have an uncle by marriage (my father in laws uncle I believe) who sends us a card every year.  And it is so creative, I can’t wait to see what they send every year.  They are a hoot!  One year, their card was a Christmas Tree made of words that told the story of their family.  Another year it was an inside joke and he actually wrote a personal note. “Ask David about this one”.  So I called my father in law and he explained it to me; which made me giggle.  The funny thing is, I don’t think my husband even looks at them unless I shove them under his nose.  He doesn’t really care about stuff like that (which is weird to me, but whatever!)

Though I tend to bash this holiday a bit for the commercialism; I do appreciate pieces of it.  It does remind me that we need to connect more.  And this year, while waiting for my cards and compiling my  lists, I am excited about writing my holiday letter.  Even though my bloggers will remember more about my year than I will!  (although a look back on my blog might be a good place for me to start, wouldn’t it??)

Do what you can to embrace the holidays.  If you don’t physically send out holiday cards; you can do it virtually!  Throw your pictures up there with a greeting.  Take this time to connect; even if you may see someone every day!!  My BFF has cards sent for her business and I get one.  I don’t care what is inside, I just want to open a card addressed to me!!!

I do like parts of the holiday; just not the craziness and the stress.  I’m trying to keep it all in check this year.  Hopefully, I’ll be successful…..

Happy Saturday