why i write holiday cards
start your own holiday ritual
Hi friends,
Writing holiday cards is easily one of my favourite pastimes in December.
It's the one and only consistent holiday ritual I have managed to keep up.
I don’t remember when I started this, but it has definitely been since at least 2016.
I carve out time every December to open my box of Christmas cards, buy some new ones to refresh the pile, put on some Christmas tunes, and write.
Over the years, I’ve thought about why I’m so motivated to continue this year after year without fail.
I think I've figured out why, and I wanted to share the reasons why I write them:
I enjoy taking inventory of what each person in my life means to me
I’ve realised how much more effort and nurturing adult friendships and relationships need to thrive.
You no longer have the luxury of seeing the same group of people day in and day out as you did in school. Without regular face time and check-ins, many relationships will naturally start to wither away.
While it is inevitable that people will come in and out of your life, I want to take the time to really reflect on what each person means to me.
How has our relationship evolved over the past year?
What are some of the best recent memories?
Setting aside time to really put into words all that has happened in the year is powerful for me to reflect on exactly why I love having these people in my life.
It shows my appreciation in ways that are hard to express.
You know I love writing.
Not only the act of putting my thoughts into sentences, but also the way in which I can easily express many things that I would find hard to say out loud.
While I’m trying to be more vulnerable and direct with my feelings lately, there is just something about handwriting these cards that infuses a lot more meaning.
I can easily say thank you in person or via text, but writing out exactly why I’m thanking them feels way more personal.
In many ways, this also saves me from the awkwardness of saying all of this directly to my friends.
Writing it on paper — when the default now is to send a text — also makes the words flow differently.
The unspoken words, the things unsaid somehow find themselves again when you put your pen to paper.
It hopefully brings them warmth
Especially during times when the holidays may not be the best for everyone.
The holidays can be tough.
The pressures of forced gatherings, the winter blues and the pressure to make it a blissful time of time can really make it a rough time.
Whenever I’ve received a handwritten card, I’ve felt extra special.
So I hope my cards also do the same.
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Do you have any holiday rituals? How are the holidays different for you this year?
In case you missed it: In my last post, I wrote about my experience running my first half marathon.
A question for you!
What is something you are looking forward to in the new year?
Always open to learning more and hearing from you 😊
Thanks for reading!
Stay inspired,
Viv