Christmas card tradition still alive and well

Most everyone grew up with parents sending Christmas cards to friends and relatives to stay in touch.

This would bring families up to date on what happened over the last year in case no other communication had been made, right?

Long distance phone calls were pricey and interstate travel was just beginning. Airlines were new and far too expensive for leisure travel, let alone with the entire family.

So, the annual Christmas card exchange kept most everyone in touch. But what about today? Is this tradition as popular or has it run its course due to a totally different world?

Short conversations with our neighbors in County 54 indicate it’s not the same, but it’s not forgotten, either.

Dawn Terrill, Commissioners’ and Board Health Administrative Assistant, only sends them to her immediate family.

“I don’t know why I don’t mail to EVERYONE because I love receiving them!” she says.

Matt Schemel at Superior NAPA Auto Parts has a similar pattern.

“It’s less than 10 I send, and they go to family. But we have family Zooms every week so we’re in touch.”

That form of communication appears to be common.

Mica Clarkson, Principal of Alberton School, is in that group.

“I started slowing down in mailing Christmas cards once the internet was readily available and cell phones took amazing pictures! Anything I would share in a card, I typically post for my friends and family. Cards are fun to receive but seem to be a fading from modern culture” she said. 

“I usually mail 10 to 15 which is less than I used to because so many of my friends are on social media. Years ago, I made my own Christmas cards but I'm sane now,” said Verna Helm, who recently retired from Mineral Community Hospital.

That’s not the case with George and Anita Bailey, owners of Regent Realty in St. Regis.

“No, we make our own every year and have a list of about 50 people we send them to. A few of those are emailed, though,” said George.

Joe Steele, St. Regis School Superintendent, reports they don’t send too many anymore.

“Definitely fewer than what we did five years ago. I send cards to my five brothers mostly. These days, we do virtual meetings with my kids pretty frequently and definitely around the holidays.”

Purchased Christmas cards outweighs handmade cards by a strong majority.

Mark O’Day of Big Sky Machining near Tarkio has a steady list.

“Yes, we send out about 20 store bought cards and those numbers have pretty much stayed the same for several years.”

Krystle Darlow of Darlow’s Quality Foods, describes their process.

“We send them out to mainly family from ones that Shutterfly makes from our pictures. Chris is from Helena and I’m from Missoula so just about all of them stay in Montana. But we just took over the grocery store December 12 last year and hardly knew anyone here, so we’ll slowly start sending to our new friends we’re making since moving to Superior.”

Do people personalize them with a note or just sign their names and put them in the mailbox?

“I include a handwritten note or letter particular to the recipient. Which is probably why I don’t send very many!” said Susan Charles, of DeBorgia.

“Sandy and I send out about 150 to our family and friends all over the country. But that does include about 100 to our Hollywood celebrity friends. We have them made with family pictures but leave room to personalize each one,” said David Mirisch, publicist.

From District Court, Jaime Talbot said that her number of cards has remained around 40 for many years now.

“Yes, I love sending and receiving Christmas Cards. I think it is important to take the time to write a message to friends and family, even if it is just once a year,” she said. 

What about receiving cards from friends and relatives?

“We send out about 40 each year and receive about the same amount back. Mostly Montana family and friends” is what Donna Vulles, Mineral County Pharmacy, said.

“Oh gosh!” gushed Kim Comstock, Jail Administration with the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office. She keeps busy this time of year!

“At least 100 cards I purchase but try to keep it with the local stores.“

Liz Bradley, FWP Biologist made a good point.

“I used to mail Christmas cards more broadly and we actually are planning to do it again this year because it seems like a good year to reconnect and reach out to people.”

But has anyone stopped sending Christmas cards entirely by mail?

“I do not send out Christmas cards anymore. I did the first couple of years we were married but quit doing them about 40 years ago because I rarely got any back. I can tell everyone Merry Christmas on Facebook now so why send a card?” said Laurie Johnston, County Commissioner.

No doubt the world has changed, and communication has seen incredible advances. The bottom line is that in some format, we still continue to wish those close to us a Merry Christmas and let us hope that never falters.