However, I do use a pencil in one spot in particular: my address book. I know that there are plenty of new-age ways to keep those important contact details of friends and family, but there is something special about keeping a handwritten account of street names and seeing how spread out our friends and family really are!
I really look forward to the end of every November when I grab my pencil and address book to take on the task of labeling the Christmas cards. I am doubly-productive, because I use this time to make sure all the We've Moved! notes have gotten proper attention and add in new additions to families--this is where a pencil comes in handy.
But I can't bring myself to erase those names that I no longer send cards to; those friends and family who have passed on. One in particular catches me off guard every time I get to the "C" tab--but it's bittersweet. I'm sad that he's gone, but I am reminded of so many fond memories. I'm always tempted to just address a card to him, and the others, and send it...hoping they will be placing it on their mantel, and hoping I'll open my mailbox and have one from them in return.
I think I'm going to start a new tradition and write one card to those who I'm missing, place it on my mantel and say a special prayer. Holiday's are such a joyous time that it's tough when we are reminded of those we wish were still celebrating with us. If you are missing someone this holiday season, I am wishing you peace.
I love Christmas cards. I have had a few roll in already, but have yet to get mine out. A project for the weekend!
ReplyDeletePS. I write in full cursive. I am a freak :)
I miss my Grammie so much during the holidays. I often contribute to a charity in her honor during the holiday season. This post especially struck me because she was one of the few people who wrote snail mail to me. And quite often. And it is those letters that I re-read to feel close to her again. Thos letters that inspired me to join the Braces Bunch.
ReplyDeleteSo yeah...I think that is a wonderful idea. I might write her a note this year.
I love this idea. Each year, I send about 130-150 cards to various friends and family, scattered hither and yon across this great wide world. And each year, I stop and muse on a few who are no longer with us. I confess though, I keep an Excel spreadsheet of details so I can add to it easily and just print it out for the holiday season. However, that also means it's easier to "delete" someone. I've always hated the thought that by hitting that button, I'm deleting them from my life, which I am absolutely NOT doing at all! Not in my mind anyway. But by writing a card to one or two who aren't with us anymore, I can help to actively remember them. So thank you for this idea. I'm going to do this. AFTER I get the other cards done of course! You know... the ones that need to be sent out ASAP to make it to the recipients in time! Happy Holidays to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteI think that's a great idea to write a card to those who have passed and place it on the mantel. What a special remembrance.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a sweet idea, JJ.
ReplyDeleteThat is such a fabulous idea.
ReplyDeleteI also laugh a bit at the pencil for the address book. I do the pencil thing also as I know people move, addresses change etc. It cracks me up though how many people use pen in their address book, especially when recording MY address. Cause I'm every postal workers worst nightmare. Or so I've been told. Yes, I've moved a lot.
Funny because I noticed that I addressed more cards to hubby's friends this year than mine. Hmmm. Then there was the always hard task of removing the Mr or Mrs in the title of an address because someone has passed away. That was particularly hard for me this year but I know that C's smiling face on the card will brighten their day when they get it.
ReplyDeleteI think that's a great idea to write a card to all of those that you miss. My grandfather was the snail mail king: As kids he would always write us letters and cards. I've tucked quite a few of them in unexpected places.
ReplyDelete*hugs to you*
I love your idea of writing a card for those we miss. Every winter we receive cards from friends/family (some we hardly communicate with other than during the holidays). For many years, during the years of IF, I had hard time coping with those cards (you know, cute pictures of kids), but now that I have my own, it fills me with joy.
ReplyDeleteHaving said that, I hardly ever send out holiday cards. I cannot seem to get organized enough to send them out in time.
This brought tears to my eyes, just thinking about who I might write cards to. What a beautiful idea.
ReplyDeleteWow, you have no idea how beautiful this post is. I'm in tears. Last year, we lost my brother-in-law on December 28th...the last time I saw him was Christmas day...the time before that was two weeks earlier when Kevin was working and I was home addressing Christmas cards one evening, and he stopped by to keep me company while I did it. I remember laughing with him while the time passed and I finished them all...I've had my cards for over a week, but can't bring myself to sit down and address them...it will be a painful Christmas. I think your idea is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful idea. I still can't remove my Grandma from my address book even more than 7 years after she has passed.
ReplyDeletethat is a beautiful idea and a gorgeous way to remember someone. WOW.
ReplyDeleteI too, can't seem to bring myself to take some people off my list and I won't..if only to remind myself of the time that they were in and a part of my life.
MERRY CHRISTMAS my friend.
I think the same thing when addressing Christmas cards. And I also do not delete them from my electronic address book I've had since graduating high school...
ReplyDeleteLove the idea... and thank you for the lovely card. You are so sweet
ReplyDeleteI must be all sorts of emotional, ugh. Tears here:) What a wonderful idea of writing the card. I have 2 ppl I miss the most at Christmas...and others who could be included. I think I might join in this idea.
ReplyDelete