Annie's Corner
Loss of a Christmas Tradition
by Anne O. Stout

   With Thanksgiving done and Christmas fast approaching, I find myself busy getting those Christmas cards written up and signed. 
 Every year the amount of Christmas cards received seems to dwindle down which is good news for the trees, but bad news for me. I don't know about the rest of you but Christmas is sometimes the only time of year I hear from some of our acquaintances. 

 Those cards are a link to people we met and were friends with along the way, but now may not live near. When first married, my husband was active duty Navy and we met lots of people who just come and go thanks to always being on the move. It is at Christmas, when these people, like me must study their address books and send cards to those they haven't heard from much. 

 The best cards are those with pictures enclosed. You can watch the progress of a family, changing as it grows and are reminded how fast time flies.

 Cards are so unique today, there are some that play a song for whomever opens them, or come with seeds to start your own plant, or even an ornament for your Christmas tree. 

 Today the computer has simplified the Christmas card tradition. How many of you get the seasonal letter?  You know the other family's news all in one letter and you receive one of many copies scattered across the United States, or maybe even around the world.

 Of course with Internet there are the Internet cards circulating and believe me some of them can be beautiful. One I received last year showed a homestead and I got to watch it be decorated in lights then snowfall as an animated card. These are nice as long as there is a message along with it, telling how everyone is doing and how life is treating them. 

 Guess doesn't matter in what form it comes as long as you hear from those people who you don't hear from much. I am busy rummaging through my address book for those folks I haven't had touch with in awhile. Also let's not forget our troops so far from home as well, a card and short note means the world to someone away from home during the holidays. 

 Enjoy the holidays, and may everyone have a Merry Christmas!