An Old Christmas Card

Handwritten Christmas cards once nurtured heartfelt connections, but their fading tradition now reflects a world where digital convenience often eclipses the depth of enduring human bonds

- SIDDHARTH DEV VERMAN

This time around in a different age and world, homes would be decked with Christmas cards sent by friends, relatives and even strangers. They would be strung on a string much like freshly washed laundry across Christmas trees or exhibited on drawing room mantles and office tables. The more cards one was able to display, the greater it seemed was the popularity of the proud recipient!

We had many Christian friends and acquaintances and our home would soon fill up with cards. As children we never had a Christmas tree at home but the cards were always given the pride of place and each one was received with excitement and warmth. I too made it a habit to reciprocate as much as the meager pocket money and cost of postage allowed me to.

The cards came with beautiful images accompanied by both printed and handwritten messages conveying wishes of love, remembrance and warmth. Without doubt, they were the highlights of the season for many of us who otherwise did not have the opportunity to celebrate Christmas the same way as some of our friends. They transported us to the beautiful and wonderful world of Christmas trees, Santa and his reindeer, Stockings filled with gifts, plum cakes and even caroling.