Christmas cards

I have finally written my Christmas cards and they are ready for posting, within good time too. I do tend to favour the more ornate or cute cards that are on the market but I felt drawn to these funky little cards as they reminded me of the Home Alone movies. I think it was the colours and those retro Christmas patterned garments that made me think of Macauly Culkin in his 1990s knitwear and mittens. But anyway, back to the cards! So I lit a candle, sat down at the kitchen table with my card list and listened to some Beegie Adair; relaxing Christmas jazz melodies that fill the atmosphere with a sense of calm and magic. A mug of rich hot chocolate was my tonic to keep me warm whilst I sat with my pen poised for some greetings and best wishes for the season.

I do love giving and receiving Christmas cards, it is another Christmas tradition that I enjoy every year and like to uphold. The first commercial Christmas cards were commissioned by Sir Henry Cole in 1843, he had festively illustrated cards printed and sent them out to his family and business associates, selling any leftover cards, and starting a trend. Christmas cards were, and still are, a warm and joyful greeting to give to a loved one, friend or colleague. My family still receive some Christmas letters from family and old friends, despite the existence of social media networks and emails that have made it possible for people to communicate their significant life events daily, if need be. For me, receiving a handwritten card still feels special and I like to keep my favourite ones stored in a box that I unearth every year to gaze at the pretty designs. I inherited my paternal grandmother's greetings card collection some years back and I enjoy looking at those cards too, especially one in particular, which is a Christmas card from 1923.