In a world of instant messages and social media posts, the Christmas card holds meaning. There’s something deeply personal about holding real paper—the texture, the handwriting, the thought behind it.

Before digital greetings took over, sending Christmas cards was a special holiday tradition. Families displayed them on mantels, tucked them into garlands, and kept them as keepsakes to revisit every year. People looked forward to going to their mailboxes and receiving personal notes or news from friends and family.

Why Sending Cards Still Matters 

• It’s personal. A short note in your handwriting says more than a dozen digital messages.
• It slows things down. Taking ten minutes to write helps you step out of the rush and focus on people, not just tasks.
• It lasts. Cards get displayed, saved, and reread—something no text message can offer.

The Christmas card tradition started back in 1843, when friends first began mailing printed greetings to stay in touch during the holidays.

How to Bring the Tradition Back

If it’s been years since you last sent cards, this season might be the perfect time to bring the tradition back. Start small. Write to a handful of friends or family you don’t see often. Choose cards that reflect your style—classic, minimalist, or handmade—and add a personal note, even just a sentence or two.

Make it part of a quiet evening:  turn a movie or music on and have a warm drink.  It doesn’t have to be perfect—just thoughtful.

The Point Isn’t the Card

What matters isn’t the paper or the design, it’s the thought. Writing a card reminds you of your connection to friends and family you may not see or talk to regularly.  

This year, skip the group text. Send a few real cards instead. It’s a small gesture that carries a lot further than you might think.