If I’m remembering correctly, I’ve sent cards to friends and family every Christmas since the year Wayne and I married. That would make 30 Decembers in a row. I even remained faithful to the task through difficulty and change. (Do you hear the drama building?)
- Even the year I had a baby on November 30th.
- Even as the number of cards we received each year continued to dwindle.
- Even as more and more people simply sent their greetings by social media or email.
- Even the year we moved from Texas to Canada the first week of January.
This sounds like bragging, doesn’t it? Even though there’ve been many legitimate reasons for doing it, I admit that some part of me wanted others to see how “jolly” and “together” I was.
Well, this year I’m not doing it. I’ve purposefully chosen to break the Christmas card sending streak.
In my, eh, “maturity,” I’ve finally admitted that I can’t do everything. There is a limit to my time, energy, and sanity. And if I exhaust it all on the relatively small things there is nothing left for the things that matter most. Like connecting with people in real life and contemplating the infant King we celebrate.
So I chose to get away with the hubby for our 30th anniversary and then spend a few quality days with my parents. In fact, when you read this, more than likely I’ll be on my way to mom and dad’s to pick them up for a two, fun-filled days in Branson, MO! I swapped hours hunched over a stack of greeting cards for real time with family. When I let that go I breathed a great sigh of relief. A little less stress this Christmas and a little more joy.
Sending cards is a good thing and I may do it again next year. But this year, I’ve chosen the better over the good.
What time-consuming tradition consumes a lot of your time? What would happen if you didn’t do it? What could you do instead?
Awesome! So our time with you all last night is way better than any Christmas card! The McCaleb’s are grateful for the Howard family!
Hi Jared! We enjoyed our time with you guys too! So happy that little Lucy warmed up to me so much!
It is always a good idea to find balance, especially at this busy (but exciting) time of year! So glad you made time for the things that are truly important!
Blessings to you this Christmas season!
In His grip, Joan
Thanks Joan! Merry Christmas to you!
Hey Kathy….I did the same thing about 5 years ago. It was freeing…So many of the cards we received just had a Merry Christmas and name and I felt like I needed to write something if I was going to go to take the time and expense. Of course, what we received back started to dwindle and I do miss that but not enough to start up again. Hubby missed it a bit so I told him he could send out an email card if he liked…hmmm he has done that occasionally. I wrote on a similar theme in y blog today…which for some reason did not go out to followers but here it is..http://womantowomanmentoring.com/2013/12/time-to-sit-with-you/. Have fun in Branson…never been there but you are making the right choice. So Hey Merry Christmas since you’re not getting a card from me either LOL.
Janet, thanks for sharing your experience! And Merry Christmas to you!
Oh, Kathy, I feel better hearing your story. I did the same thing this year, but I’ve been getting a few disappointed responses, and I’m fighting feeling guilty. Your post is affirming and freeing. Thanks for sharing … maybe just for me 😉