Last year, I had a picture perfect family photo that never made it to the crisp white card-stock of a Christmas card.  I wondered if friends or family thought I might have cut them from my list.  I only cut myself loose from some of the holiday “have tos.”  And, a pretty picture on paper seemed to be one of the first things to go.  I like writing cards, sending letters.  The paper and pen process is a tradition for me.  I really didn’t want to let go of a ritual that helped to hold my holidays in place.  “There is always next year,” I told myself.

I am in next year and my inner chatter is gummy with guilt, muttering “Not again, this year.”  This year, I don’t have . . . .

 

 

a picture perfect family photo and I haven’t perused the inter-webs for an inspirational crisp white card.  What I do have is a few witty cards from Tayham.  Match that with a few relatives and friends that could use a laugh more then they could use a picture perfect picture of my family.  My sister would appreciate anything out of the mold.  My brother-in-law would laugh.  My mom will say, “Where is the nice picture of your family?”

So, I’m writing a few and learning to live in this looser life where I’m not tied to “have to” and “supposed to.”  I do what I can, as I can and I think I’ll make that my new tradition.  Yes, I will not tire myself in trying or striving, “Not again, this year.”

P.S.  I love the pretty photo cards.  I especially love to receive them.  Who knows,  maybe next year Christmas cards won’t feel like a “should” but more like a “could.”  A few years ago I kept it simple by just uploading a few insta favorites….it felt like a happy medium for me.  Who knows, I may even find myself, at Target next week, throwing a cute box of cards in my cart.  Next week might feel like a could.

Do you do Christmas cards?  How do you keep things from feeling obligatory during the holidays?