Random Ramblings

I mailed out 74 Christmas cards a few days ago. Is 74 alot? Not alot? I don't know. What I do know is that it took me a long time to personalize each card, place the address labels and stamps on the envelopes and lick the envelopes.

Do I receive 74 in return? No, not even close. Judging by the fact that we have received 3 to date, I am guessing 35 might be alot this year. I don't expect to receive a card from each family to whom I send a card. I don't send one because I want one in return. I send them because it's a polite way to offer greetings of the season to those you probably won't see and some you will. There was a time when I recorded my Christmas card data in a spreadsheet. Needless to say this occurred when I had only one child. I kept track of the cards that I sent and those I received. I am still obsessive that way, but I no longer have the time to be nearly as meticulous.

Selfishly, I have to admit, I send my cards because I want to show off my daughters. I want every recipient to see how my girls have grown and how beautiful they are. But than again, I would venture to say that's the motivation behind most of the cards you receive from families with children. Why else would they use a photo card?

I enjoy each and every card we receive. I look at them carefully while fully understanding the effort it takes to send even just one card. I don't mind the afterthoughts cards...you know, the ones you receive only because you've sent one. At least it was sent!