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I wish you all could have seen my face and my smile when I opened your cards. The days before Christmas, when the mail arrived, were extra special, and I can’t thank you all enough.
Many of my blogging friends did not hesitate and shared their addresses with me this year. Against the odds, many of us decided to send out cards this year. Even our mailman noticed; he stopped by every day. “You get lots of Christmas wishes this year,” he greeted me when I had to sign for a package.
He stomped through the snow to our mailbox every day, and at the end, it just felt right to gift him a small basket with hot chocolate packages, which he held in his hands like the most treasured gift.
Some of my blogging friends are so talented. The hand-painted and hand-made cards were a special treat.
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I felt so much joy, and it made our Holidays very special. My husband, who is not familiar with my blogging world, is now a bit envious, and he realizes that some of these online friendships are actually very real.
The small things in life can make such a difference.
Do you want to see the new ornaments I got this year?
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Isn’t that charming? A friend of mine crochets adorable Christmas trees. She is so talented, and I can feel and see the love she put into it. Such a thoughtful present. We will treasure it for years.
And then there was Ann, my editor
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Who gave me a small book ornament for our Christmas tree.
“Open it,” she said.
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Tears of joy! What a wonderful feeling they are. When the heart is overflowing, the eyes have to help out.
One card had a Christmas letter attached, which I found particularly charming.
For a short time, the modern times were forgotten, and old rituals were cherished again. If what I felt is an indication of how so many of us feel, then we should hang on to old habits and give modern technology a break now and then.
The balance between the old and the new, perhaps that’s what’s missing most in our lives.
I will hang onto the cards, and they will be displayed next year and for years to come. And may I please be allowed to hang onto the addresses as well? I went a bit overboard when I bought the cards.
I just love writing and receiving cards.
I was so glad to get your card among the few I received this year (just a total of 6 and only one with a letter included) I still send out 25 cards at least each year, at one point I believe there were 60+ that I did sending some to a group of people I was a part of (that was 24 alone). Making them by hand 60 is way too many for me to do now. I have to pace myself and limit my circle a bit. BUT… yes, please keep my address, but only if I can keep yours. This was a wonderful idea and I hope we can continue it for many years! One final note … I adore the bird with the hat on – SO CUTE!
In recent years the cards have dwindled to a select few, usually the same individuals every year. So thank YOU for being the instigator! Back in “the day” we used to send cards to “keep in touch” with others so we didn’t lose track of what was going on in each others’ lives….even if we didn’t see each other much anymore. Now we have the internet! But… it is truly not the same! The letters, the handmade cards, the surprise card from someone we cherish… all bring back the nostalgia, the love, the caring we have for each other. Every time I opened the mailbox and a card was in it, I just smiled…. someone cares about me! Yes let’s keep the tradition going. 🙂 Happy New Year!
You know I am with you. I think it’s up to us if we bring this beautiful tradition back into our lives. I am all for it. It was fun and it brought joy to our homes. The smile when you open your mailbox and see a card, that’s extra special.
Happy New Year!
I do hope you got mine, Bridget
Your card is displayed at 5pm on my wreath 🙂 It was such a nice surprise to get a mail from the Royal British mail. 🙂 Thank you so much, Derrick. I hope our card made it to the UK as well?
I’m afraid we didn’t get yours, Bridget – such a shame after your lovely initiative.
Oh, no. I was afraid that one of my cards might not arrive. I am so sorry. What a disappointment. I sent cards to Spain, UK and Australia and all the other cards arrived. Our postal service is not very reliable.
Oh Bridget – your idea worked so wonderfully well – I am furious that circumstances did not allow me to add my choice to your beautiful collection to have and to hold . . . but the one from you will very much be on show till Three Kings Day is over. . . smiling . , .
It was such joy to write a Christmas card to Australia. As you know, I am from Austria and when people here in the US ask me where I am from, they often mix up these two. “Do you miss the kangaroos?” is (depending on my mood) often answered by me with: “Yes but only the mountain ones.” 🙂
Ha! Yes, but > we get the opposite also > we say ‘Australia’ and get ‘Oh, Austria – do you come from Vienna ?’ 🙂 !
What a lovely idea and handmade cards are so special. I think the families and friends of most bloggers have little idea of the fun in the blogosphere. Best wishes for 2026.
It was so special and I truly enjoyed each one of them.
What a lovely selection of cards and ornaments! The metal card holder, formed into a wreath, is perfect. All the best to you, Bridget. 🙂
I love the metal wreath that displays our cards. It was full this year, which I didn’t expect.
All the best to you, Nancy! Always!
Thank you! Same to you, Bridget. 😁
How wonderful! You received a lovely assortment of cards, and I love your new ornaments as well. I was delighted to get a card from you. Yes, you may keep my address. We need to hang on to some traditions. Happy New Year!!
Thank you, Darlene. Happy New Year to you as well.
So happy for you, Bridget! Happy New Year 🥳💐🤗
Thank you, Rupali. Happy New Year.
What a lovely selection of cards, and I love the metal card holder!
I am so glad our card made it overseas. Thank you for letting me know.
How fun! I was surprised by the number of cards too, given the cost of stamps!
Oh how wonderful. I am glad you got a nice amount of cards as well.