Christmas Card Connection

Christmas cards used to be my thing. I took pride in being the first to get my cards out the day after Thanksgiving. I didn’t do this as a competition or a rush, but because it was one item, I could check off my list. Cards out - check, tree up - check, Christmas cookies baked - check, house decorated - check, check, check!! And herein lies the problem. Christmas cards were sent initially to tell friends and family we loved and missed them. To update those, we rarely see with a smile and a festive wish. However, what the Christmas cards became for me was a checked box. Something intended to bring happiness and cheer had become a task to “get through.” I never intended the holidays to feel that way, but a few years ago, I recognized that was exactly what they had become. Why? I was caught up in making everything perfect and trying to please everyone because it was what I had always done and was supposed to do. Everyone expected me to do all of this, right? A Hallmark holiday takes a ton of work, after all! What I know to be true now is that no one cared about everything being “perfect,” and I value connection, not the cards, ribbons, and bows. Passe, I know we’ve all heard this so many times before, but I had lost the connection to MYSELF to stay perfectly connected to others. My challenge for myself, and possibly each of you, is to navigate this season with purpose and connection instead of obligation and box-checking. My Christmas wish is that I have connected with each of you somehow. Suppose it was a blog post, a phone call, a football game, or a shoulder to cry on. I am so grateful for every connection in 2024 and the more I am committed to making in 2025. Christmas Connection to you, myself, and the wonderful communities I am blessed to be a part of. This blog serves as my Christmas card this year with my family, which I cherish dearly. I am choosing to spend my time connecting instead of hustling. I hope this finds you connected, too! From my home to yours, Merriest of Christmas, Happiest of Hanukkah, or the wish of true joy and connection for whatever you celebrate.