The Lost Art of Sending Greeting Cards

“As my friend and I approached the United States Post Office (USPS), we began discussing the two beautifully crafted cards she was about to mail. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she explained that these cards were destined for two extraordinary friends. She shared the intricate details that went into these tokens of affection, from carefully selecting each card to the heartfelt messages written inside.

What struck me most was her meticulous attention to detail—she had even chosen unique stamps for both the front and back of the cards, ensuring they harmonized perfectly with the envelope. But it wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about the sentiment. My friend confided that she prefers to take her cards directly to the post office because the act of mailing them out, in her view, adds an extra layer of personal touch and significance to the gesture. It was a reminder that sending a card, in this digital age, is not merely a formality but a heartfelt connection that she values deeply.”

In today’s fast-paced digital world, sending a greeting card, birthday card, or thank-you note has become a fading tradition. We often find ourselves typing out quick messages, sending emojis, or posting on social media as our primary means of communication. But let’s take a moment to reflect on the beauty and significance of sending a heartfelt card through the mail.

The Simplicity of Yesteryears

Once upon a time, picking out the perfect card was an art. The card’s design, the carefully chosen words, and the personal touch of a handwritten message were all part of the experience. It was a tangible expression of our thoughts and feelings, a physical manifestation of our love and appreciation for someone special.

The Lost Effort

Remember the excitement of receiving a card in the mail? It was a moment of pure joy. Today’s generation might not fully grasp the effort, time, and expense of sending that mail. The journey from selecting the card to writing a heartfelt message, putting a stamp from the United States Post Office (USPS) on it, and going to the mailbox was a labor of love.

The Priceless Gesture

A physical card told someone, “I care about you.” It conveyed a level of thoughtfulness that’s difficult to replicate digitally. The tangible card became a cherished keepsake, a reminder of a special moment. The effort invested in mailing that card was priceless.

A Comparison: Then and Now

Let’s take a step back and compare the traditional method of sending cards to today’s digital alternatives.

Cost of Stamps and Shipping and Handling:

• Back in the 1960s, the cost of a postage stamp was just a few cents, making sending cards an affordable way to connect with loved ones. It was a small investment for a significant impact.
• Fast forward to today, and the cost of postage stamps from the United States Post Office (USPS) has increased slightly. However, the value of sending a physical card still far outweighs the nominal expense.

Frequency of Communication:

• In the past, sending cards was a more frequent form of communication. Birthdays, holidays, and special occasions were all celebrated with cards, strengthening personal connections.
• Today, while digital communication is immediate and convenient, it lacks the personal touch and sentiment that comes with a physical card.

Keeping the Tradition Alive

In our fast-paced world, we mustn’t forget the value of sending cards. Let’s try to preserve this beautiful tradition and pass it on to future generations. Here are a few ways we can do that:

1. Teach the Importance: Share stories and experiences with younger generations to help them understand the emotional significance of sending cards.
2. Make It Special: Reserve card-sending for significant occasions. The rarity of receiving a card can make it even more cherished.
3. Personalize Your Messages: Handwrite heartfelt messages that convey your genuine feelings. This personal touch is irreplaceable.
4. Support Local Artists: Choose cards from local artists or small businesses to make sending cards even more special and unique.
5. Create Card-Sending Traditions: Establish family traditions around sending cards for birthdays, holidays, and other significant events.

While the world may be evolving rapidly in communication, there is a timeless beauty in sending and receiving a physical card. Let’s not forget the effort, time, and love that goes into this age-old tradition. By preserving and cherishing sending cards, we can ensure that future generations understand the true meaning of receiving something in the mail from someone who cares about them—someone who is thinking of them. Let’s keep this beautiful tradition alive for years, with the United States Post Office (USPS) playing a central role in this heartfelt communication.