Where Did the Christmas Cards Go?

It's not all about Christmas cards. But let's start there.

If you are a person who loves receiving Christmas cards, you've probably noticed a sharp decline in the number of cards you receive now compared with even 5 years ago. A quick internet search told me that this Christmas, 1.3 billion cards were sent compared with 2.9 billion in the early 2000s. That's a difference of 1.6 billion cards; a decline of 65% over 20 years. 

I LOVE Christmas cards. A tried and true tradition that adds color and life to my holiday season. There are probably a several factors that contribute to fewer families sending cards, some of which are social media (who needs to send a card when you've shared everything on social media already) and the rising cost of postage. 

If we really dig down to the heart of the matter, though, I think things go deeper than that. My generation (Millennials) and below report a significant feeling of isolation compared with older generations. Researchers blame this on the digital age-a feeling of false connection caused by social media and a shift towards convenience over deep connection. People in this age group (currently 44 and younger) feel heightened anxiety, depression, and stress compared to previous generations due to the comparison social media can create, spend more money, and have fewer (if any) meaningful relationships compared with older generations. This dynamic is often stronger in more populated areas than rural ones. When you think about that, the irony almost slaps you in the face. Areas with MORE people accentuate the feelings of loneliness than areas with fewer people. The more your community relies on and spends time on digital media, the lonelier it is. 

As people get busier (often filling their time with frivolous things) they quit spending time on things that lead to connection. Face to face time with friends and loved ones. Writing Christmas cards. Writing personal letters or emails. Then these same people complain that they are alone and isolated, not recognizing the ways they've done this to themselves. It can make your head spin if you think about it too long. My generation is spearheading our society's plunge into loneliness, and they're helpless to save themselves from it.

Spending time in other cultures has hilighted this change in American society to me. People in Guatemala truly  are "together and have everything in common." (Acts 2:44) They cook together, help raise each other's kids, come over if help is needed, don't bat an eye when you ask a favor. Think back to the most recent tragedy or natural disaster that struck your community. For us, it's a hurricane. When Harvey had half of Houston underwater, we were "together and had everything in common." We mucked out each other's houses, watched hoards of kids so several people's houses could get rebuilt at once, put our grills in the cul de sac so we could cook huge meals together to keep food from spoiling during power outages. But, little by little, as homes were back to normal and everyone returned to work we retreated back into our own worlds inside the 4 walls of our homes. Sad, isn't it?

Do something today that brings connection to you and someone in your orb. Send a hand-written card, send a text to that person you've been meaning to reach out to, get a "for no reason" gift for the mail carrier, take out your earbuds and stop and talk to an elderly man at the park. We were put on this earth to love God and love people. Please don't forget that.

Here is what I did yesterday to bring connection. Comment or send me a text or email and tell me what you did. (I'd love some new ideas!) Visit my YouTube channel for a description of my beautiful Christmas.