One of my favourite seasonal activities in sending and receiving Christmas cards.

I love finding an envelope in the mailbox that is not:

a. a bill

b. a pitch from a charity I’ve never heard of

c. a tax-funded newsletter from a politician who wants to let me know all the things she/he is doing in Ottawa.

I love seeing my name appear in someone’s own handwriting. There is nothing more delicious that opening up the envelope and reading the little note inside. I also love to receive beautiful cards that I can display on my fireplace mantle piece. If the card appeals to me in a certain way it will remain there long after Christmas, sometimes for years.

Sadly, the handwritten Christmas card is one of those traditions in decline. Even handwriting is something you don’t see often these days.

But a handwritten card is the most personalized gift you can give or receive and therefore one of the best presents there is.