Mission accomplished: the Christmas cards are out! It’s no small feat—more like a marathon of creativity, logistics, and perseverance. First, there’s the final design, the anticipation of delivery from the publisher and the battle of the address list. I stay in my lane; the design is not in my job description—and never will be. Correcting addresses for the umpteenth time has become a holiday tradition in itself. List management is crucial: adding new friends, loved ones gone, and having that awkward “should we really still send them one?” moment.

And then, there’s the question: why do we send cards to old bosses or people we might not even like anymore? But isn’t that part of the season’s magic? The spirit of Christmas nudges us to rekindle connections, soften the edges of strained friendships, and perhaps even surprise someone who thought they were forgotten.

Next comes the production line: return address—front or back? Choosing the perfect Christmas stamp (adhesive or licked?). And wow, when did stamps get so expensive? Stuffing the envelopes with precision. And let’s not forget the dreaded envelope licking. Sorry, but those water contraptions? Useless. They warp the cards and steal the joy. Yes, licking is unpleasant, but tradition demands sacrifices. Paper cuts? They’re part of the journey.

And let’s call them what they are: Christmas cards. This widely celebrated holiday transcends borders and beliefs. It’s a shared tradition, a universal gesture of connection.

The silver lining of this annual ritual is reconnecting with friends and reflecting on those we’ve lost. Updating the list becomes a bittersweet exercise: deciding to keep one family member while leaving out another, or pausing to honor the memory of a loved one who’s passed on.

For me, the true joy comes from sitting side by side with my wife, assembling our cards while thinking of all the people who have touched our lives. And then there’s the incoming stream of cards! They arrive in a delightful variety of styles: updated family photos, handwritten notes, humor, and heartfelt messages. Some feature collages, while others stick to one perfect picture.

The big question: does the boyfriend or girlfriend make it into the photo this year, or are they left out? And, of course, the excitement when a new family member makes their debut on a friend’s card—a baby, a pet, or sometimes even a spouse who wasn’t there last year.

The mother lode usually arrives on December 22nd, with a flurry of deliveries that bring the kitchen counter to life. Then comes my favorite tradition: the annual “Best Late Card” award. It’s December 27th and we’ve already received five really good ones. It’s for the friend whose card arrives fashionably late, often with the disclaimer, “This year, we’re finally on time!”

Once Christmas arrives, the cards take on a new life. Displayed on the refrigerator, kitchen cabinets, or a special mantle, they become part of the holiday decor. Every visit to someone’s home becomes an opportunity to scan their display. Inevitably, there’s the moment when you spot an absence: “Wait—why didn’t we get a card from them this year?!”

And one of my proudest moments? Seeing our family card make it to the mirror of fame at my barber’s shop. It’s like a badge of honor, knowing our card sits alongside others in a place where conversations flow and connections are celebrated.

For me, the Christmas card represents more than just the joy of the season—it’s about connection. It’s a tradition that reminds us to pause and appreciate the people in our lives, to share laughter and memories, and to celebrate the love that surrounds us.

Happy Christmas—and may your cards be on time (or at least arrive with a fashionable excuse)!