Once upon a time, we as a human race were pioneers. We traveled the expanse of the known world, and past it. To unmanned lands and unseen seas. Due to the distance and the still emerging technology, we wrote letters.
With a sheet of paper, a quill, and ink, we jotted down our deepest thoughts and desires and sent them to travel across the globe. Today we have phone calls, email, texting, and even Skype to bridge the gap between us and our loved ones. On many levels, this growth in technology allows us to keep in consistent, up to date connection. We can notify of impeding celebrations, and on a more global level we can communicate on wars and political moments as they happen. Rather than operate on outdated information.
Christmas letters have morphed over the years, representing the times. We have options. Handwritten letters, mass printed letters, paper letters or digital, photo montages, or Christmas card packages. Technology and the development of civilization that now spreads the expanse of the globe, has changed the nature of communication. During this holiday season I encourage you to return to our roots- and send out letters.
Letters have carried the words of humanity for hundreds of years.
Christmas Cards- What they represent:
- Slowing down to connect.
When you choose to hand write letters (or even type up a letter and print it out), you are choosing to slow the movement of your life. This deceleration changes the energy that surrounds you and allows you time to take stock of who your community, family, and friends are. We can often times get caught up in the speed of daily life, that we can forget or take for granted the gift we have of a loving community. Choosing to write a letter- you choose to acknowledge and remember what is essential to a happy life- a happy and loving community.
- Demonstration of love.
Time is a precious commodity because we have 24 hours a day, how we spend that time represents what is important to us. By choosing to write a letter, you are choosing to demonstrate with your actions what’s important to you. What you love.
- Connection.
The content of our letter notifies our loved ones about our life. When we post a letter in the mail we are not only sending a physical copy of our love, but we are also sending an energetic message, one filled with love and community. We unite and strengthen the bonds of our world. For we are all connected.
Speaking for myself, writing a letter, actually sitting down and putting words on paper can be overwhelming. I can syce myself out, wanting to write something profound and beautiful. Whether it’s a Christmas card or a birthday one, letters can seem like this foreign culture.
Here’s what I’ve found, write what you think and what you feel. Some of my family is not very gushy in nature. But Christmas cards, birthday cards- they allow me to share the depth of my love without disrespecting the fact that they aren’t gushy.
When you sit down to write your letter think about this: There was a time when it would take anywhere from 6 months to a year for a letter to reach the intended recipient. Telling them what you ate is not what they wish to hear. That we love them, that we think of them, that we desire to see their face again, that they matter to us despite the distance- this is what we want to hear.
What sometimes stops me from writing these thoughts is the idea that we may come off as mushy, sappy, or needy. When the truth is, these thoughts are the truth (healthy communication means communicating truthfully in a kind manner.) I do miss and love and think of this person. It may not be profound or beautiful- but it’s real.
That’s what a Christmas card is. The real thoughts and emotions we have for those who are important to us.
Daily Christmas Dose:
Christmas Song: Santa’s On His Way by, George Strait
Christmas Movie: Prancer
- Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zm69dRGRLiI
Daily Affirmation:
- “I am safe to open myself up to those I love.”