Friday 21 December 2007

Seasons Bleatings


Christmas cards may be loved or loathed but the vast number of people send at least a few every year. I love them. I love the slap-thud as they land on the mat, so much more interesting than the pile of junk mail that usually slithers my way. Cheap tatty robins or designer glitter, mine are all read enthusiastically then pegged on strings around the hall. More is best.
There are a few from family, not full of hugs and kisses, we are a restrained bunch, but welcome all the same.
Then there's a sprinkling from friends saying how the months fly and we’ll have to meet up soon.
Two are hand made, one very arty the other of a friend's dog in a soppy outfit.
At last, a party invite. That’s lucky, now did I wear my velvet jacket to their house last year? Hmm!
A couple from ex colleagues. Is there a hint of jealousy when they mention how stressful the old place is? I hope so…
Ah ha! An embossed official card from cousin Joan. I haven’t seen the woman for ten years. She‘s never sent me a card before. I see, she’s now mayor of a small town in the Midlands, Well done Joan!
Some make me feel guilty. Two come from old acquaintances culled from my list in a moment of thrift and one from the milkman thanking me for my loyal custom, even though I haven’t given him a tip. I wish now I’d ordered extra cream.
Once I received a lovely card from Jonathan, and I still don't have clue who he was, but he sent his love. Well, that was quite a few years ago.
A couple of cards are conspicuous in their absence. Oh dear! Who have I offended now? Or perhaps they are ill? S**** is getting on in years, I hope she’s o.k. I’d better give her a ring.
What’s this? A neatly written card with my name on the envelope but inside it says To A… and Margaret. Hang on a minute. My husband is A… but my name isn’t Margaret. How can that woman make a mistake about me. I send them a card every year. This year it was one of my better ones too. I’m offended and childishly miffed. I feel a bout of thrift coming on as I mentally cross her name off next years list.

Merry Christmas everyone.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I haven't put ours up yet, they sit in a pile in the hallway waiting for blu tac. And I still have a few to dish out, probably do a card round tomorrow with Amy.

Best wishes, Crystal xx

Pondside said...

I sense a discussion with 'A' in the offing!!
My cards are in a pile on the table in the living room - I'll do something with them this evening, I guess. Enjoy your cards and your Christmas LWB!

Maggie Christie said...

I loved this and it's all so true! I'm still waiting for cards from certain people, yesterday a big sigh of relief was heaved when I got a card from other people I'm fond of, and I love the mystery cards! Have a very happy Christmas!

Elizabeth Musgrave said...

This all rings so true for me too! Used not to send cards when I was very poor and single but Ian is good at organising it so I have got into it again and you have it so right.

Casdok said...

Yes cards do say a lot dont they!

laurie said...

i love the picture! love it!

and i love christmas cards, too. even though we got one yesterday addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Doug .... (and i didn't take his name).

and even though my cousin last year sent me a card addressed to me, and doug, but she gave doug the last name of one of my former boyfriends....

ah well, you know who your friends are. and a merry merry christmas to you, lampwork.

snailbeachshepherdess said...

I love cards as well...ours are all neatly round the picture rail I can match a card to who sent it and like to think of them all in here in the warmth with us for the next few days

Grouse said...

You are right....and cards can so easily become one of the 'Christmas Tyrannies' to which I resolutely refuse to subscribe. I used to end up sending dozens of 'duty cards' and with a pile of unsent cards because I hadnt got the address. I now only send cards to people I truly care about and have their addresses sorted in good time. When new people join the list each Xmas I try to ensure the address is filed there and then!

LITTLE BROWN DOG said...

Really enjoyed this blog. It's a funny old business, this Christmas-card lark. I got two cards from people I don't know - a Colin, who I think I may have bought something from on eBay and our local oil company. Still, I put them up as it makes us look a bit more popular. Was rather disappointed not to get the usual round robins, though, which seem to have have gone out of style lately - they were always good for a laugh. Completely gorgeous photo, by the way.

LBD x

CAMILLA said...

A completely gorgeous picture LWB, does he belong to you.?

I love the receiving of cards, but I must say that I received two this year addressed to me, and I do not have a clue who they are.

Wishing you a very Happy New Year, and may 2008 be a good one for you.

Camilla.xx

Milkmaid said...

I love cards too, a couple of groups I belong to, keep trying to sideline them,saying give money to a charity instead of sending cards, that's a good idea but it's not the same, I have a good friend that I've not got a card from too, going to email her, hope she is ok