I love Christmas cards, not only for their annual mission of rekindling old friendships and as a reminder to renew distant acquaintances, but also I treasure them as a colourful and aesthetic array of decor on my glittering mantlepiece.
It is one of my favourite Advent rituals to sit by a cosy turf-fire and take time to enjoy those truly beautiful Christmas scenes on each greeting card that has glided in through my letterbox. I peruse each one with passion and each missile carries its own characteristic bonding and an update on happenings all year in someone's world.
As I read, I am picturing Cousin Peggy in Sydney, seated in glorious sunshine on a gold-gilded verandah, with inky 'cutóg' pen and right hand supporting tilted head, in pensive mode. I am imagining her thoughts of the old homestead, as she exercises her gifted powers of stylish penmanship and her 'way with words' that will wind their way through the air to settle in the deep confines of my Postman Pat's generous delivery sack.
"Sid and I will visit in the Spring... Love Peg"
Then I come to Cousin Willie in Brooklyn as he settles himself comfortably in his writing studio in Brooklyn, with that large colourful Gaelic calendar view on Dunmanus Bay looming down on him, full of memories for him too. He will choose an American crafted image of Santa, with a look-alike Robin on his hefty shoulder and a warm verse to convey the joys of Christmas - probably sent with nostalgic sentiment and thoughts of young carefree happy days.
"Must climb Peakín with Lassie in the Fall, hope Mai is keeping fit! here's a few dollars for a toast!"
I pause a while longer on the goldy-edged frame around the Crib, at front of my dear friend, Mamie's annual Yuletide greeting and I am pleased as my last letter was unanswered. I gather, from the neat, but slightly shaky signing at the bottom, that there is a reason for slower communication now.
"You'll be calling with the Porter cake for Mike. bless you..."
I will visit my old pal soon ... I will. She likes a hint of nutmeg in her Christmas Pudd and a good drop of brandy ... if you don’t mind!!
Sis always sends me a special one and it takes pride of place in my small kitchen baking area, to cheer me, colour my day and sing to me! It is that of warm Yuletide window winter-scene and our beloved Robin Redbreast perched on the ivy-clad sill. This cheery little bird always seems to be happy and is squatting centre-stage of a calm, peaceful and cosy homestead, as if to be chirping merrily as the welcoming Herald on Christmas. She knows I love the wee Robin and there is always a humorous few words inside
"Don't forget the cloves this year! Use plenty Paddy in the Císte!" Lots Love. Áine
We all like to get that annual "Conas atá tú?" greeting at Christmas and each year I re-read a lovely poem, sent to me by an old friend in Dublin, whom I haven’t met in 40 years, but the Christmas card bond between us is our friendship. The author is unknown, title 'My Christmas List' and it really sums up the spirit and goodwill entrenched in the traditional ritual of that festive card greeting ...
Never think my Christmas Cards are just a mere routine
Of names upon a Christmas list, forgotten in between
For when I send a greeting card that is addressed to you
Its because you're on that list of folks, that I’m indebted to
For be you relative or friend, or that someone I've just met
You happen to be one of those I prefer not to forget...
Anois a cháirde, for those of you not yet on my Yuletide mailing list, my greeting to you is
Nollaig faoi shéan is faoi mhaise dhíbhse go léir agus féach ar do liosta Nollag arís! An bhfuilim ann?
Eilís Uí Bhriain.
Castlelyons
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