CHRISTMAS CARDS

They wrote in pencil and never sealed the envelope; they soaked off the old stamp. Both of the families knew the game. The cards would go back and forth between Rosewood to St. Paul and back until the signature area wore out from one too many times erased. Grandpa and Severt exchanged the same two ties for years. If that is crass to you, think of it this way: At least they remembered.

We call it re- gifting now, in the days of the depression, it was a financial endeavor. Remember these people at Christmas time with a card and letter. The letter was new it was the card was not. And yes, they seemed to have more time with less modern equipment to work for them.

In the eighties, the concept would happen again this time it was called recycling. Ladies in groups called circles in churches cut up old cards and made new ones by pasting a message on the inside as well as a picture on the outside. They were sold at senior centers for considerably less than an original card. The card was made and considered, "when you care enough to send the very best", which is Hallmark's motto.

Fifty days before my 50th birthday the recycled cards wishing me a happy birthday started, each card had $1 attached. It became a run for the mail box! It was the perfect gift for someone like Old Trunks. It was a daily giggle.

A friend in Wisconsin stated she was not sending cards this year. For her, it is arthritis in her hands. She does not have the computer savvy to set up an envelope address file and print. She doesn't grasp the email card concept. Yet, I know that a simple email which wishes our household Merry Christmas as the same loving sentiment as a hard copy card.

The clerk at the post office gave Old Trunks a guide board so we would know how fat/or thin the cards have to be to make it through the automatic sorter. The post office does not honor HAND CANCEL or PHOTOS ENCLOSED. If one needs anything protected, it needs to be reclassified into an envelope such as a bubble package. I will flow with that, yet I am old enough to remember when all you needed was the name and if local, write city. Unsealed: 2 cents. Sealed: 3 cents.

Old Trunks wonders if 2 cents equals 42 cents now. That is, has our dollar inflated so much that wages really aren't greater just tacked with higher numbers as are stamps?

Where are you on card sending? And why.

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