Around the 15th of November each year, panic mode starts to kick in. I realize that there are two major holidays ahead and a limited amount of time to prepare for them. On principal, Everything Christmas has to wait until after Thanksgiving. The one thing that does get an early start is the Christmas cards.

Envelopes ready for addresses

Envelopes waiting to be addressed.

I’m one of those crazy people who has a list that grows every year, and who staunchly refuses to go paperless. Yes, it’s hugely time-consuming, but it is time well spent. For me, it’s a chance to mentally reconnect with the people who are far away.

That sounds silly in these days of social media. After all, the “news” we send in our card is hardly new to anyone, but that’s not the point. I value the connecting that happens during the writing. I address the envelopes by hand and add a hand-written sentiment to each of the cards. The act of writing engages a subconscious mental process that puts me in the holiday spirit and connects me with the people in my life.

If you wonder why writing cards by HAND is so important, click here, and here and here.

Snorkeling Santa

Last year’s card. (This year’s is a surprise!)

Yes, writing by hand is slow, but it’s (selfishly) worth it. If you send out cards this year, set an intention before you start. Decide to view the activity as a connection instead of a chore. Spend your moments thinking about each person who will receive your card. Write one or two sentences that remind the person about why you value them, or what is special about your relationship, even if it’s just a mention of a memory you’ve shared.

You’ll bring a smile to that person’s lips, and a smile to your own as well.

I’ll send about 120 cards this Christmas. How many do you plan to send?