I got
an e-card today from someone who I barely know that said how much I mean to
them (and everyone else they sent this to in a mass e-card “I care about you
blowout”)

You
know around the Christmas season, nothing warms my heart and says, “I’m lazy
and insincere” like an e-card.

Before
there was the convenience of faking “I’m thinking of you” by the use of the electronic,
impersonal, and insincere e-card there was the Hallmark card. Hallmark cards
usually came from people you actually knew who more than likely actually DO
care for you.

What
we have forgotten in society was the Hallmark card was the beginning of ‘I’m
too busy to write my own words but maybe this will make up for it” lazy man’s
way to connect during special holiday/birthday times.

You
see my friends there was a time around Christmas, birthdays, Thanksgiving et al
when people actually took the time and intellectual/emotionally driven effort,
to get out a quill and a bottle of handmade ink and contemplate a personal
greeting that was then sent to the loved one or friend.

It
often included not only a personal reflection but also maybe a line from a poem
or a Bible verse. Sometimes rose pedals were sprinkled in the envelope if it
was a love letter, or even a ribbon or a lock of hair.

People
were much more articulate of course because they didn’t have the option of the
internet providing a “humorous” clip from someone getting stuck on the toilet,
or a “funny” cartoon of Osama Bin Laden you pass along to prove you were
thinking of them.

So
this Christmas season you may want to contemplate writing a personal note to
your loved ones that actually come from your hand and your heart. Not only will
it be received as special from the receiver but it will also weed out for who
you wouldn’t spend the time and energy actually crafting an personal note.

Maybe
they never really deserved a card all along. Of course if you don’t want to
appear rude, you can always send an e-card.