We haven't done what yet? Not again?

It happened again.  Despite my best intentions, the holiday cards continue to rest on the top of the filing cabinet.  The envelopes are addressed, but somehow the cards remain stacked nicely to the side.  I imagined that in the middle of the night, each card would get a hand written personal message and then be gently placed in its appropriate envelop ready for us to lick and close the next morning.  Wouldn't that be a piece of Christmas magic! Where are the elves when you need them?  Did they go on strike?  But, no worry.  We'll get the job done.  The question is how soon? 

Why do we keep "doing" cards year after year?  Is it about the need to let people know we are still alive?  To brag about our adventures and mis-adventures?  To keep the "tradition" going in a time of electronic instant messaging and texting?  Maybe it is all of these reasons; but if the truth be known, I really enjoy opening a holiday card sent through the mail. I slow down for a moment to read the greeting, even the occasional note or holiday letter.  It can all surprise me; make me smile, even laugh or once in a while, when the news is sad, make me sigh.  However, not matter what the message, I am touched that someone remembered us and I want to do the same for them. 

This year our cards will be a big surprise especially if they don't get sent before the twelfth day of Christmas.