Sending Christmas cards dates back nearly 170 years; closer to 160 in the U.S. The advent of the locomotive, mass production by printing presses and the creative genius of three Hall brothers resulted in holiday greeting cards becoming as common as well, having a facebook account today. Unsurprisingly, only around 15% of them are actually purchased by men.
After a couple years of shuttling between homes we finally have a chance to send a semblance of a holiday greeting. It’ll be considered a work in process…in its infancy. Tucked inside the holiday merriment have been a number of distractions, almost all welcome, which put a dent in our lofty aspirations. I’ll take infancy for now.
Given the season and multiple purposes (I’m all about efficiency if it means less work for me) the list of recipients has rapidly grown. By some accounts the average facebook user has more than 200 friends. Even in my expanded list (two people, combine holiday with thank you with announcement) it’s still paltry. What do folks say to 200 friends? I’m finding plenty to say to a couple hands-full—those with whom a long history or shared memorable events. With others it’s a line in addition to the standard text and with the rest its almost a stretch to hope they’ll fully understand the standard text. What do folks say to 200 friends?
Sociologists since the 1950s have generally agreed three key items need be present to form lasting friendships: repeated/unplanned interactions (ie not forced), proximity and settings that allow walls to be lowered and information to be shared in confidence. Now, based on this it’s a little more painful to do a ‘friend’ count.
The Thank You/Announcement/Holiday cards will be finished. For some people because I truly care and I hope they do. For some because its a nice gesture and for some simply because it’s the right, responsible thing to do. I think I’m just glad I don’t know 200 people!
AniMal