I’m dreaming of a ‘write’ Christmas
There’s an unspoken joy in writing Christmas cards; at least, that’s what I tell myself as I compose a poem for my wife, who’s in another country so she couldn’t possibly spy on me as I write it. My weapon of choice: a good gel pen for a non-glossy card paper, and plenty of flowery words mixed with fine intentions.
As an old school Gen X guy, I approach this dying tradition with a mix of sentimentality and sheer stubbornness. E-cards have been around for quite some time, but now, we have AI-generated greetings and social media shoutouts.
So why do I still cling to writing? Because nothing says “I care” quite like making sure your cursive is legible, your message honest, and your card arrives … before Valentine’s Day.
I’ll be honest: Writing is something dear to me. When I write, I give of myself, and I always hope that the reader values this sharing. Paulo Coelho put it best in Maktub: “Writing brings us closer to God and to our fellow humans. If you want to have a better understanding of your role in the world, write.”
Let’s talk about e-cards for a second. They’re fast, free, and often accompanied by whimsical animations of dancing penguins or twinkling Christmas trees. Some are so slick they come with pre-written messages, saving you the trouble of coming up with something heartfelt. I have to confess that I went through a dark phase and sent e-greetings during its nascent stages.
And then there’s the newest kid on the block: AI-generated cards, where you type a few keywords, like “cozy,” “holiday,” and “Noche Buena,” and—voilà!—a polished greeting appears, complete with just the right mix of sentiment and seasonal cheer.
But here’s the catch: Those digital greetings often lack the personal touch. It raises in me questions not of ethics but of sincerity. Sure, they might arrive instantly, but the emotional weight of a holiday email or text rarely compares to the tactile joy of opening an envelope and pulling out a card, gingerly, complete with a deep whiff of that paper mixed with ink.
There’s also something about the anticipation of snail mail that e-cards can’t replicate. Sure, my physical card sent in November might get stuck in the postal abyss and arrive closer to New Year’s, but at least it’s a tangible keepsake, not just another notification lost in the inbox.
Of course, I’m well aware that Christmas cards aren’t cheap. Thanks to dwindling demand, the price of boxed cards has crept up to the point where you wonder if they come with a quill and bottle of ink. Local stamps, fortunately, remain affordable, and philatelists will be happy to note that PHLPost recently released the so-called “longest usable postage stamp” featuring the churches along the Pasig River that Filipinos visit for misa de gallo.
For budget-conscious folks like me, DIY cards are an appealing (and crafty) alternative. All you need is some construction paper, markers, and perhaps a sprinkle of glitter and sequins if you’re feeling ambitious. Your creations might look like a preschool art project, but handmade cards carry a charm that no AI-generated greeting can replicate.
If you’ve opted to send a real (as opposed to electronic) greeting card, there are options beyond Hallmark such as classy boxed sets with snowy landscapes or religious motifs; cheeky modern designs featuring puns (“Yule Be Merry!”) or animals in Christmas costumes; photo cards that showcase smiling families (and their reluctant pets, dressed like Santa); minimalist cards for the chic and understated; custom-made online options (pro tip: the best ones aren’t free); or AI-assisted cards that come with auto-generated messages so polished the receiver would instantly know you didn’t write them.
Writing the cards is both a sentimental journey and a logistical nightmare, especially if there are numerous recipients. With every person, I take a moment to reflect on our connection, often with a chuckle or a pang of nostalgia, sometimes cheating by searching for early encounters as documented by Facebook or—gasp!—Friendster.
Halfway through, if my hand cramps up (I’m serious, especially with age-related nerve damage), and my already hard-to-decipher handwriting deteriorates, I start questioning why I’m doing it in the first place.
Addressing the envelopes alone adds another layer of chaos. As Carole King lamented, “Doesn’t anybody stay in one place anymore?” This is no truer than in this age of restless millennials and younger generations. It leaves me scouring the social media and scrambling for updated addresses like a last-minute Santa.
Still, despite the challenges, I persist. Because the joy of receiving a physical Christmas card—whether it’s from a distant cousin whose name you’ve forgotten or a friend you probably wouldn’t recognize if you bumped into each other on the street—is still something special. It’s a reminder that someone cared enough to pick out a design, write a note, and send it off in time (or close enough) for the holidays.
So, to anyone debating whether to send Christmas cards this year, I say: Go for it. Whether you choose boxed sets, DIY creations, or even AI-generated options, what matters most is the thought behind the gesture. The medium doesn’t have to be perfect, but the message can be timeless.
As I sit here with my pile of unfinished cards, I’m reminded that this tradition isn’t just about spreading holiday cheers; it’s about slowing down, connecting, and remembering the people who matter most. And if my card arrives a little late? Well, better late than never, right? As for my wife’s card, I’m sure it will get to her on time, because I will personally hand it over to her on Christmas morning.
Happy writing, and may your holidays be merry, glittery, and full of good intentions.