If I ever needed a reminder that I am getting older, looking at my Christmas cards is a good way to feel old. Of the cards I received, almost half were photocards of my friends’ and family members’ children.
I am not at all disturbed by the comparison of where we are in our lives. My friends are married, and now a good number of them are having children. I am happy for them, and I wish them much more happiness and healthy children in the future. I am not in the same position, and I am not in a terrible hurry to be in that position.
On some level, sending these cards seems to be a cop-out from the usual greeting card cop-out. I think most folks would agree that cards are an accepted cop-out for writing something meaningful to someone for a special event–birthday, holiday, or some other momentous occasion. Nonetheless, the photocard is taking our societal accepted cop-out to an even higher level. Instead of a holiday card with some serious or witty message for the season, I get a photo of a small child with Santa.
I suppose it is the thought that counts, but I find myself vowing that if and when I ever get married and have children I will not send the photocard to anyone. If I deign to send a photo, I will include a photo of the kids in the card. Maybe that thinking is a bit old school, especially from someone as technically savvy as myself. Nonetheless, I think it is a good compromise for all involved. Not everyone gets a photocard, and the photo goes to those family and friends who are close and should get one.
I also find the photocard to be one step above the most onerous of Christmas card “improvements.” The update that some folks include in their cards is a pretentious undertaking. Consider this something to add to my list of things that will never go into cards from a married JJT.
I appreciate the cards I have from my friends, but I just do not want to fall into this easy trap. Besides, the shelf holding all of my Christmas cards is looking like a maternity ward.
#1 by Cham on December 27, 2007 - 5:28 pm UTC
The photocard is saying, “Hey, look what I managed to push through my legs!”
#2 by Sally on December 27, 2007 - 7:24 pm UTC
Considering that Common Wombat DRAWS our Christmas cards every year, the photo card does seem like a HUGE cop-out to me.
#3 by mokiejovis on December 28, 2007 - 7:42 am UTC
Ha, ha! A principled stand? It’s easy to have a principled stand whilst unmarried. Just watch – in a few years, when the wife decides she wants to mail out photocards, not only will you have no stand at all, you’ll actually think it’s a good idea.
#4 by JJT on December 28, 2007 - 7:45 am UTC
mokie: Just because you’re getting a beatdown from the wife doesn’t mean I will.
#5 by Fairfax on December 28, 2007 - 9:34 am UTC
I was at my sister’s house on christmas… she had her kitchen cabinets plastered with xmas photo cards from her pals. Each seemed intent on outdoing the others with exotic locales, forced cuteness and studied preppieness. Kinda gag-inducing.