#168: Christmas Cards

There were years when I was growing up and Dad was in the Navy that we as a family would receive dozens of Christmas cards every year. Mom always taped them to the door frame of the door leading to the living room. When that was full she would then tape cards on the walls. There were a lot of cards and it was inspiring to see all of them displayed with their colorful front pages and it was uplifting to read all of the printed and handwritten messages inside.

Now, Mom and Dad are gone as are their Navy friends so the number of cards received has dwindled to a trickle. But I still tape them around the door frame as we did for so many years.

Part of the reason for the decline in the number of actual cards is the proliferation in the use of the Internet. Many senders today prefer the easy email cards versus those that need to be purchased, addressed and stamped.

While an e-card is welcome and appreciated, and is a cost-effective way of sending greetings to a large number of people, I miss the thrill of a postal carrier delivered envelope. I miss, too, the beauty of the card's decoration and savoring the message printed inside. I also miss the anticipation of reading the sender's message, usually handwritten but sometimes imprinted.
And, I miss the ritual of taping the cards along the door frame, bringing back fond memories of Christmas's past.

How about you? Do you prefer receiving an actual card over an e-card?

As I said, both are appreciated but for me there is something exciting about holding a card in hand and reading it over and over without having to log in to do so.

What do you think? Actual card or e-card? Or does it not make a difference since it's the thought that counts?