Has the mailman come yet?
That’s a common question around most ranch homes year around. Depending on weather, time of year, flat tires, unforeseeable conditions, it’s not always the same time.
Exclamation of question becomes more emphatic during this season. When the answer is “Yes,” there’s a dash outside regardless of temperature to see if there are any Christmas cards.
Earlier in the month a couple of times returnee’s lower lip drooped. Just a newspaper and another statement were in hand.
Fortunately, it’s picked up from a card or two, maybe a half dozen in recent days. Excitement continues to mount seeing where the envelopes are from and deciding which to open first. “Don’t rip ’em, be careful, use the letter opener,” scowling orders more than once.
Those from afar with personal addresses get preference of the computerized even sometimes commercialized cards.
A store bought card with just a signature gets a quick over. When the card is a photograph of the sender, even their family makes one certain special. Homemade cards are almost nonexistent nowadays.
The cards with a letter are always read carefully, usually then again. Many are duplicated the same to all on their list yet informative catchup of the year gone by.
There are still a few with handwritten notes. Maybe just a sentence or two, but sometimes newsy paragraphs. That dairymaid across the section goes all out with several pages of handwriting happenings.
While cards come from family, longtime friends, and just brief acquaintances, it’s often the only contact ever. Some haven’t been seen or talked to in decades, yet sometimes seems like yesterday when there was time together.
Most important thing likewise the hardest part of Christmas cards is sending them. Type of card sent has varied the realm from photographs to mimeographed inserts.
Generally the inexpensive kind hand signed, maybe a short note. Of course, there’s the list of those annually mailed, and everyone who sent one should and always does get one in return.
Postage can add up these days, but it’s a good cause. Don’t ever expect to receive cards if none are sent.
Christmas card tradition is said to go back more than 400 years a sentiment of Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Reminded of Psalm 119:160: “Your card reveals special care and love.”
+++ALLELUIA+++
XII–51–12-16-18