Tis the most wonderful time of the year

Christmas Cards

Last night Guy was out at his works' doo/dinner, which meant I was left to my own devices all evening. What better time to settle in with a of mulled berry juice, the Christmas Food channel on in the background for inspiration, and write out some cards.

I think Christmas cards have fallen a little out of favour in recent years. A lot of my friends and family have opted out of sending them, and the continual increase in the price of stamps isn't helping. I'm also surprised by the number of people who tell me not to bother as they aren't sending any. I think they entirely miss the point of Christmas and the sending of cards.

In a time when the only thing that appears through my letter box are bank statements, gas bills or takeaway menus I really appreciate and love getting a card. It brings a to my face when I see the . Someone cared enough the sit down for five minutes and write a little message to me. Yes, the card is probably a generic one from a pack of thirty that contains only three designs. Yes, its probably the same message or a close variation as written to everyone else. But, who cares? Not me! It's the thought that counts. And that's something I think too many people have forgotten.

So last night I opened my packs of cards and began to strolled through my list of address and contacts and carefully selected a card for each person. My list is long. My stamp bill will not be cheap. But it will be worth it if it brings the same joy to my friends and family as it does to me - everyone loves to be loved after all.

I know there is the argument about recycling and saving trees - but honestly no one seems to take the same high horse about wrapping paper...And don't get me started on . Apparently people have forgotten about recycling centres? I mean almost, if not all, supermarkets in the UK have card recycling boxes out after Christmas. Old Christmas cards make great "home-made" gift tags for the following year to. Or you can create your own "Noel" inspired wall art with a collage of card designs.

This year is extra special as we are using our Christmas cards to announce to "the select" few that we're expecting our first little bundle . We've chosen to stay away from the social media announcements - I know lots of people like them, but I find them cold and impersonal. I want to tell the people I care about individually - not blanket everyone with a single status update, and await the inundation of congratulation comments from people who I haven't spoken to in years. So cards it is.

Even Indy got in on the festive spirit and curled up at my feet munching on her rawhide candy cane treat. She's like a large, heavy, furry blanket, that occasionally makes my leg go numb.

By the time Guy came home, which was very early for a Christmas party, we had a pile of cards written, sealed and addressed. I actually think I may have to get another box as I'm running out of cards for the guys at work. I've got another five to write and post at least before I even get to my colleagues. I'll worry about them next weekend.

My next task will be to make sure I meet the Christmas, overseas post. It's surprising how many people are now living the life in the sun or State side. I may send Guy to the post office on Monday during his day off... Hopefully this earlier he'll miss the queues.