I know that no one sends cards anymore except a few of us diehards. It would be very dense of me not to know, because folks tell me this on a regular basis. Often someone I’ve sent a card to.
“I got your card, but I don’t send any, so you won't get one from me.”
I’d already figured that out, since none had arrived in the mail, but saying that would be rude. And besides, I like this person, a lot, or I wouldn’t have sent the card.
“That’s okay,” I say, “I just send cards because I enjoy it. I don’t expect one in return.”
I said this to a darling but outspoken cousin last year. She didn’t seem to agree with me about not expecting a card back.
“Yes you do,” she said, “and that’s why I’m calling you…instead of sending a card.”
Gotta love my cousins.
Perhaps I should have explained to her, that sending Christmas cards has been a tradition for me since I was a child. My mother was a teacher in a small town. Usually a different one each year because, although she was a very good teacher, she had the unfortunate habit of telling parents the truth about their child.) She always recruited me to help. I was the stamp-sticker and the envelope licker. This started back when I was very young and postage stamps were 3 cents each. And that was a lot for a teacher to pay. Cards and stamps were a major Christmas expense for Mother. Back then you could actually buy something for a penny.
Anyway, I still send cards because I enjoy sending cards to the people I like. And if you’re a recipient, don’t worry because you didn’t send one to me. I absolve you of your guilt! I love Christmas and all it stands for.
Hugs,
Jackie
