I didn't squeeze in the writing, stuffing, and mailing of a Christmas card this year. I feel kind of like a slacker, but it sure felt good to give myself a free pass. I definitely missed the process of thinking through the past year, reflecting on the highs and lows, and figuring out which picture to include. As a single person, this can usually pose a challenge. I hate posing by myself. Do I put my hands in my pockets? Wave? Hold them stiffly by my side?  The nearest Glamour Shots is also over 100 miles away. So the fuzzy Marlene shot on the wicker chair is out of the question. Then you have to take into consideration that this picture is going to be up on someone's refrigerator for an entire year. This is prime real estate. Your mug shot is going to be up for all to see. And I mean ALL – not just the friends who receive your card. I already made this mistake a couple of years ago when I sent a picture of myself and several of my travel buddies from a trip to Costa Rica... on the beach… in swimsuits... holding coconuts in the appropriate spots. Enough said. Needless to say, my friends and I received plenty of strange feedback that year. 

So, to the dismay of many (not really), I’m not sending a picture or a letter. It’s time to replace that coconut shot with a picture of somebody else’s cute kids. 

Even though I didn’t mail a letter, I fortunately received many a photo Christmas card with happy, smiling family photos with a collage of kiddos. Maybe it’s just me, but I find it humorous when the parents don’t put their age next to their name. Their kids all have their ages listed: Michael (age 10), Elizabeth (age12), Rebecca (age 6). What about the parents, Jonathan and Kathy? I want you to remind me how old you are too. C’mon… just lay it all out there. Be brave. I also find it funny when my friends send me a picture of just their kids, with absolutely no letter. Don’t get me wrong. I love getting mail. But with no update, I can easily just make up a story that Michael, Elizabeth, and Rebecca are alive and well while their parents, Jonathan and Kathy, have left them to take care of the house while they go off to see the world. Could you please just give me a two-line update so my creative mind doesn’t go crazy making up stories?  Or, I guess I could just stalk you on Facebook. Hmm. Tough call.