Saturday, December 21, 2013

Christmas cards

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These are from last year.  I love making fabric post cards and several years ago I stretched the size to make fabric Christmas cards for my g-kids and special friends.   Last year I might have sent out a few of the paper cards.  This year I haven’t sent one and I have not done my fabric cards either… Seriously, it’s the 21st, will I get some done?  probably not and you know what? I don’t even care.  I used to send out about 40 cards.  Then I got to thinking about why.  Because my mom always did and I thought that was the right thing to do??? Well, I made the decision to cut my card  sending to only those who I kept in contact with throughout the year.  My closest friends and family.  Why would I send a card to a high school friend who I haven’t seen in 40 years and will never see again?  Someone who I really have nothing in common with other than ‘I knew you when’ ?  Now I also have to say here, when I was sending cards, I put a personal note in each & every card specific to the person receiving those cards.  I don’t mean to criticize anyone but I, personally, really dislike getting a beautiful card that someone has had embossed with their name or a simple signature saying “the XXXXX’s”.  Come on, let’s be honest here, those cards are shoved in the envelope (assembly line style), they have the return address labels ready to stick on, then all they do is address the card to send.  How much thought really went into the card other than flipping through the address book???  Okay, so now you’re all thinking “what a Scrooge!”  and maybe you’re right… but I have to say that I’m getting so very tired of the commercialism of Christmas and cards are right up there with it.  People are running around, stressing to find the perfect gift for this one or that one, worrying about getting the baking done, get the house decorated, and ‘oh no, forgot to send a card to…’ and ‘oh, dear, what if someone gives a gift and I don’t have one to give back?’ I know people who keep wrapped gifts of a generic variety to have on hand ‘just in case’……  Okay, so what prompted this (what some will say “negative”) post, I received a card from a close family member and it was simply signed “the XXXXX’s” and I have to admit that it just struck a real bad note with me and I had been feeling a little guilty about not sending cards (and quite frankly, it’s because I did not have the time to sit and make them out).  I no longer feel guilty because if you can’t even add the Dear so & so, to the top of the card, to make it even appear that you were really thinking of me – don’t bother sending the card….

My blog, my opinions and truly not meant to be critical.  I do understand that I’m sure the family member feels better because they got their cards sent… enough said….

Katie who truly isn’t a Scrooge, just hates commercialism and what it’s done to Christmas…..

4 comments:

Miz Karen said...

You left out the "yearly family update" from people barely known. It's just bragging (my opinion)

A Left-Handed Quilter said...

Your blog - your opinions - what a concept!! BOB loves it!! - I have cut my Christmas card list drastically in the past few years - sending a card to someone who didn't send one back seemed like a waste of time. And I agree - I like getting Christmas cards with personal notes in them, too - but rarely do I do anything but sign the ones I send out - maybe I should rethink that next year - ;))

~Deb Lindley said...

Dear Miss Katie,

You are such a wonderful, caring person - sometimes me thinks you care TOO much! I wonder if you might just bring balance to those who don't care or have the time to... Say a prayer for them this year, and you might be surprised what you find in your Christmas card next year ;-)

I'm sooo grateful this year for such wonderful 'online' quilting buddies as you...Thank YOU for ALL you do to make my life so much nicer!

Merry Christmas to You and Yours,
~Deb

A Left-Handed Quilter said...

Merry Christmas, Katie!! - ;))