“What would you think about making a donation to the Ghana well fund at church with the money we would spend on doing Christmas cards this year?” I look at my husband, Dan, and hope he jumps on my suggestion. I’ve been festering on this idea for a few days now. I’m trying to convince myself this philanthropic effort will be for the best. If he gets behind it enthusiastically, I can stop the endless debate in my mind. . . I want people to know I’m thinking of them. . . But when are you going to get this done. . . I love getting Christmas cards, even if I just saw the person yesterday. . . But you didn’t even get a picture of your little family at Thanksgiving. . .
Dan chews and swallows the bite of his dinner he was concentrating on before my attempt to transfer onto his shoulders the moral dilemma I'm currently obsessing over. “That’s up to you, Babe. Christmas cards are your thing.”
I decide to go with it. I mean not go with it. I decide to not spend the next couple of days searching for a photo, not coming up with a line to convey to each friend in receipt of said card a sense of my presence and blessing, not purchasing, printing, and or cutting paper for handmade cards. Instead, I write a check and take it to church. Doesn’t that feel good? Supporting clean water rocks, Kate.
Next day, what comes in the mail but a beautifully embossed card, two long-time friends aging gracefully on the beach smile at me, with a perfectly formed holiday greeting printed on the back. I get a pang of jealousy and a pinch of guilt as I place my first holiday greeting in a cute little basket beside my mail bin. I resist the urge to send a message, “Loved your card! You look amazing. I decided to make a donation instead of sending cards this year.” It feels so lame.
More cards trickle in these early days of December. Each one gives me a little warm fuzzy finished off with a smattering of regret. Dan and I are days away from our Christmas Gift/ my 60th birthday trip. Even if I want to squeeze in time to send holiday greetings, I can’t manage it.
The long-awaited trip arrives. Dan and I visit adorable Christmas market after Christmas market across Germany. Every village is picture perfect. I snap selfies of us in front of charmingly decorated trees, under bundles of mistletoe, before cute little huts full of handmade wares in the background, and giant German candle carousels in multiple towns. With each picture I wonder, Will it turn out to be the perfect Christmas card image? Should I make a late holiday greeting wishing friends the best for 2024?
I remember repeated attempts to get a holiday greeting together when I had a newborn. I needed to show my baby to the world in those pre-social media times. I think I finally got my pictures and letters sent out around Valentine’s Day. I hope they were met with the warm fuzzies instead of judgement.
So how do I solve my current dilemma? Do I put a blurb on social media, Your Christmas card will someday provide water to people in need, or try to slide under the radar and hope nobody notices my missing greeting in 2023? What can I even say to convey hope, goodness, or blessings, at the end of this year?
Dear Friend,
May the light of the season find a niche in your heart, warm and sustain you in the coming year, and illuminate your way to its source.
Blessings and love,
Kate
Your Turn: My favorite Christmas card line ever was something like, “God sent a Christmas gift for the whole world, and it was the right size for everyone.” What’s your favorite Christmas card greeting of all time?
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