There is no longer to-do list than the one I have during December. It is big, long, and far more ambitious than I am committed to. And at the very top of that list is one thing: actually send my Christmas cards.
I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with Christmas cards. All through the years as my children were growing up, I diligently sent Christmas cards. We had moved away, and I wanted to send a photo and a newsletter to friends and family back home. I also knew that if I stopped sending my own cards, I’d fall off others’ card lists, and I really didn’t want to stop receiving them.
I loved getting photos and newsletters from friends and family — well, most of them. Some I just couldn’t bring myself to read because they all sounded so perfect. Their children were smarter than my children. They had better vacations, better husbands, and in general, better lives . . . or so it sounded. The Christmas newsletter was the precursor to social media, except that with the newsletter I only had to hear and see the highlight reel once a year, not every single day.
But still, sending Christmas cards was always at the top of my list because they are valuable. However, last year I got less than halfway through writing my cards, and I threw them all in the trash — even the ones I had addressed and finished. Time had gotten away from me, and I just couldn’t do it. I couldn’t send only a few, I couldn’t bear to finish them, and I just couldn’t send them after December 25th.
I didn’t send Christmas cards, and I love Christmas cards.
I didn’t send Christmas cards, and I love all things Christmas.
I didn’t send Christmas cards, and I work for a company that makes greeting cards.
I let time slip away last year, and I was sad, and when I think about it, I still get sad — sad I didn’t find or take the time to write Christmas cards because while words are powerful, handwritten words are priceless.
So this is the year. This is the year to be mindful and deliberate, to respond to Christmas with an attitude of worship, like that very first Christmas.
Mary sang her song, and her soul glorified the Lord. Her spirit rejoiced in God her Savior. The song she sang acknowledged the great things He has done and His mercy that lifts the humble and fills the hungry (Luke 1:46-55).
Mary took the time to worship through song, and I will take the time to worship via meaningful words in each Christmas card I write. It might be five cards or fifty cards, but no matter how many, they will be meaningful.
Words of hope, joy, and encouragement from me will be found in the mailboxes of my loved ones, not in my trash.
This is the season to slow down, rest, worship, and tell others of the great things He has done. This year I am giving encouragement — and a few gifts, of course!
Here are five tips for writing (and actually sending) Christmas cards:
- Make a Christmas card spreadsheet. Get a count, fill in addresses, and keep track of cards that were sent and/or received.
- Buy stamps ahead of time. Go buy them today!
- Write and address a few cards each night. Pop them in your mailbox each morning, put up the flag, and feel satisfied about getting closer to the finish line.
- Let your kids help! If their handwriting is legible, let them sign the family name on the cards. Give them some stickers or crayons, and let them decorate the envelopes. If they’re older, put them in charge of that spreadsheet, have them pick up stamps at the store, or let them pick out the actual cards. Whatever their ages, they can help out!
- Select Christmas cards that reflect Christ! We love a glittery snowman, but when it comes to cards, we love making it about Jesus. In case you need to stock up, here are a few of our favorites from DaySpring.
Friends, there is still time. Enlist your family to help lick envelopes, crank out those address labels, and send off some Christmas cheer.
For more inspiration, read these articles from DaySpring:
Listen to our daily devotions below or on the (in)courage podcast!
Happy first week of Advent! Join us here at (in)courage each weekend in December for an Advent-themed devotion!
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I absolutely detest writing those cards. Each year the list gets smaller. I also do not enjoy long phone conversations. So, as much as I love Christmas, it’s what I see as tedious tasks that turn me into Scrooge. My daughter has been visiting for Thanksgiving and last night when it was just the 2 of us, her fiance having gone back to their home Sunday afternoon, she sat and wrote out her Christmas cards oh so joyfully. I did not. Instead I chose to sit and sulk about how much I do not like writing those cards. Today I read this. I was annoyed at first to be reminded of those cards, but I guess when my daughter leaves today and I am alone again, maybe those cards will help me feel less alone as I write out each card. And maybe I’ll even but some stamps!
Aw, Madeline, thank you for your honesty here. Maybe writing the cards would, indeed, help you feel less alone as you write them? Hope you do just that…and also hoping you receive some that remind that you’re loved.
Kim,
I smiled as I read your bio! I’m a Gigi too! I love Jesus, ministry, humor and books but I haven’t sent Christmas cards since I started posting daily on social media. I used to write a family newsletter and address envelopes as part of my Thanksgiving ritual to kick off the Christmas season. I’m simplifying these days and encouraging others to do the same.
What brings them and others joy, keep on the list; otherwise cross it off with a big black sharpie.
I loved your devotion and always smile at how perfectly Anna reads and delivers the message!
Sending you advent⛪️☦️⛪️ joy,
Lisa Wilt
There have been years that I still send Christmas cards after Christmas. I say better late than never.
With church commitments and other volunteer duties we never get our cards out before Christmas. My view is that as long as they are out by Epiphany I am still within the Christmas season ❤️❤️
Kim,
I don’t mail many Christmas cards. We are not close to my nieces & nephews. Most of my friends live in the area. On the other hand I do write out cards for local people. Yes it has to be a Christmas card relating to Christ.
Like you I, too, have a love-hate relationship with Christmas. Love the music & celebrating Christ’s birth. Detest all the commercialism surrounding this day. Even before Thanksgiving you will hear about Black Friday deals & buy buy buy. But you won’t see or hear much about Christ in all that. I did shop for two seniors off a Sr. Christmas tree. That will make their holiday special.
Blessings 🙂