Countdown to Christmas: 12/8/23 — “Write Christmas Cards Mindfully.”

This year my Countdown to Christmas is a nontraditional Advent Calendar centering (pun intended) on mindfulness.

On the front of each card is neat little picture, and on the back are the instructions for the short meditation.

Today, the 8th Day of Advent … “WRITE CHRISTMAS CARDS MINDFULLY.”

Here are today’s instructions:

For some, the annual writing and sending of Christmas cards is a bit of a chore, done more with a sense of necessity and propriety than any real enjoyment. Here are some suggestions for taking a more mindful and compassionate approach to this activity:

Don’t rush through it. Set aside the time to write the cards in a calm and attentive way.

For each card, think about the person/people you are writing it to. How did they make it onto your Christmas card list? Take this moment to focus your mind on the bond you have with them and what they mean to you.

Focus on the goodwill you have for your cards’ recipients; think specifically about the compassion each person inspires in you and the good things you wish for them.

Also notice the physical elements of the activity. The feel of the pen in your hand, the smoothness of the card’s surface, the taste of the envelope seal, etc.

Examining your individual bonds with friends and family and noting how they make you feel can turn this apparent chore into a deeply meaningful experience.

A few of our Christmas cards over the years …

For today’s meditation, I had to adjust it a bit. We have already sent out our Christmas cards for this year. So I thought about the folks we sent cards to and then sent positive thoughts their way.

“May you be happy. May you be healthy. May you be safe. May you be at peace and live your life with ease.