Merry Christmas!

I was a little late making my holiday cards this year, mostly because I couldn't decide on a design. In the end, I sent out more than I usually do, because I found out that people still seem to like getting something in the mail. I don't have a list -- I simply go through my contacts and add or subtract, mostly the former. I regretfully omit some friends simply because I don't have a street address -- I don't Google addresses if doing so feels instrusive.

I send the same design to most, and for a few others I make cards that reflect the underlying Christian mystery of the birth of Jesus. The entire process from conception to getting the envelopes mailed takes a few weeks. It's a grounding experience that is as spiritual and joyful as any other during the Advent and Christmas seasons.

The 2022 card has simple bilingual messages (front: Merry Christmas  ~ Joyeux Noël; inside:  Happy New Year ~Bonne Année) and the image of cardinal (hand matted on red construction paper glued on the front; with the same image printer-generated on the left inside). 

For some, especially family and friends who live far away, I include a photo with a note on the back. 

I'm writing this as I watch the winter crew plow and shovel our neighborhood streets and driveways. The volume of snow reminds me of the snow filled days of my childhood. It's a good feeling, especially because we got the trash barrel out just in time, and back in the garage before the snowplow got to our house.

It feels a lot like ... Hanukkah and Christmas!