In most cases, people do not greet each other in a formal manner. I miss this as informal everyday greetings are fine with me, however the greetings we share during holidays, birthdays or special events sometimes lack a sense of occasion.
The money holder is a form of card, it makes a pretty strong statement considering most of them say very little. Money holders are cards that usually state “congratulations,” “we’re so proud of you” or “our condolences.” They are generic and make the overt statement that the money is important and the sentiment comes second, or perhaps is stated at a later time. It’s fine for its purpose, just a little cold and utilitarian for my taste. I prefer a nice greeting card.
I am at an age now that I really don’t want any gift other than your time. In lieu of that, a card is really perfect. A greeting card is like a your representative or your emissary which carries greetings, congratulations or condolences, I like thick cards, with many layers. I especially appreciate homemade cards that have progressively-stacked sections to help feature the point of the card. The pop-up card is easily my favorite.
While most pop-up cards create a scene as you open the card there is another version I have seen where a flat card becomes a four-sided scene as you pull the two sides away from each other. I like foil on cards too, the feature catches my attention and makes me smile.
So this is Christmas, the main stage for the dance of the sugar plum card giver. In some cases, it is a pitched battle as one side lobs a greeting card via general delivery which creates a brief flurry of activity by the receiver as they try to make a return volley prior to Christmas day. It is a delightful stress and one I enjoy as most memories stay viable for a longer period of time if they are accompanied by the muscle memory of a concrete action, such as sending a card.
Here is the thing about cards, cheesy as it sounds, they really do show you care. The feel of the paper on your fingers as you open the card is as tangible as the emotion elicited by the card’s opening statement. The interior of the card may have a handwritten message, a letter or at least some worthwhile sentiment. The glint of foil may remind some of those brief times you see God’s love in the actions of another or even those overwhelming times of tangible glory such as the birth of Jesus.
The greeting card and Christmas go together so well. It is a time of overwhelming emotion which can either be used for good or erodes into depression. Showing your emotion leaves most feeling quite vulnerable so a card is a great way of protecting yourself as you reach out. This Christmas, reach out; reconnect with family and friends or mend fences while you bask in the glory of a baby sent to save us from our sinful selves. Maybe you want to reconnect with Him too.
