Representin'!

Every December, we send out a lot of holiday cards. A LOT of holiday cards. And it's neat to see where on earth our friends are these days. For example, we'll send cards to 21 states (plus the District of Columbia) and 6 countries this year! Scotland is no longer on the list because my friend Heather moved back to America (after nearly 10 years!) last winter, but we recently added Vermont, Illinois and Alabama to our list, so take that, U.K.!  And rumor has it that New Mexico will join the ranks next year...woohoo!

2015

Tony and I personally sign all of our cards and, for the Japanese ones, we include a letter in Japanese (many of our friends there don't speak any English) because this is our annual "hug" that we send them in the mail. We haven't seen some of these friends in over a decade, but we love them like family and they are very important to us.

2014

For most on our list, this is a Christmas card. For many, including family, it's a Hanukkah card. For everyone...especially our Japanese friends...it's a New Year's card and that's a big deal! Did you know that in Japan, there's a special slot just for New Year's cards (usually postcards) in every public mailbox during the month of December? And if you get your card in the mail by a certain date, then it will be delivered to your family member/friend on New Year's Day?? (I can't even imagine our postal service being that organized! So impressive and something to truly look forward to each January 1st if you live in Japan!)

2013

One more thought...I can't help but think about how our friends who we work so hard to keep in touch with...have children who will grow up and be our children's friends, pen pals, study abroad buddies and travel partners. Maybe even college roommates! If we can plant the seeds for those relationships with a simple card each December, then I can't think of a better reason to keep the tradition of holiday cards a priority in our house.

2012 (I know it reads "2013," but it implied "Have a Happy 2013.")

2011

So here's to holiday cards! And our cherished family and friends who live all over the country and world!

2010

2009

P.S.  Did I mention that if you send us your card, we'll hang it over our living room fireplace and admire it for weeks? Just one more reason that I love this time of year! (Please forgive our shiny, bronze fireplace screen. It's on our home improvement to-do list, trust us.)