Christmas Cards and Being Single

Is it ok to send out Christmas cards when you're single? 

I was recently talking to a friend and I had mentioned that I had just received my Christmas card order, which led her to reveal that she has actually never sent out Christmas cards. Being the Christmas fanatic that I am and knowing that she also loves the holiday, I was shocked. Her reason? She wanted to be able to send one of those cute, specialized ones from Shutterfly or somewhere else, with the collage of photos or just one festive family photo, but she didn't feel like she could because she didn't have a family yet. 

I realized that this was just yet one more thing that women tend to put off "until they have a family". I've spoken to so many ladies who put off a great deal of activities and milestones "until they have a family". They feel they can't do these things until they are married. Why do women feel like their life isn't complete until they have a husband?  

Society is such a strong force in this notion. For hundreds of years, women have been told that their worth is tied up in their families. They're told that they need to get husbands and have children before their life purpose is completed. That's a lot to lay on a girl's shoulders...… it's also a bunch a bull. 

I have been sending out Christmas cards, the store bought kind that comes in a box, for a few years now. I started around age 24, when I realized that I didn't have to wait until I had a husband to enjoy simple activities. This conversation came at an interesting time, as I had decided earlier this Fall that I was going to put together my own cards via Shutterfly and send them out this year, instead of the store bought ones. I told my friend this and she was surprised. She wanted to know how I put together a card without having photos of a husband and/or kids. She couldn't fathom the idea of being able to make Christmas cards when you're single. Isn't that odd? 

I told her that I just picked two pictures of me that I liked and that were semi festive. I picked one that I had taken earlier this Fall of me in a sweater standing by my favorite white birch. The other one of me that I picked was actually taken on Christmas day last year. It had snowed over night so everything was covered in a fresh blanket of snow, the sun was shining, and I was wearing a Christmas sweater. Ya can't get more festive than that. ;) I also chose three pictures of my dogs, who as far as I am concerned are my kids. One of them each, separately, and another of them in their Christmas sweaters together that I took last year. It was fun and simple. 

I even got to choose what I wanted the card to say. I typed out a festive greeting and one of my favorite Bible verses about the birth of Jesus, and then went on to pick out the envelope and the inside insert. I picked a darker red envelope that would match my card and a red and gold design for the inside insert, and hit the order button. Easy peasy. 

I don't think I'm lacking anything simply because I'm not married or don't have kids. I don't think my Christmas card is hurting due to my lack of husband/kids either. I actually think it's darn cute. I have two beautiful dogs featured on my card, what more could ya want. ;) I told her as much and even sent her a picture of my card to show her how it turned out. I encouraged her to make her own and send them out. Why wait? There's no time like the present, especially when it comes to doing fun things. 

The moral of this story is twofold: 1) Don't let stupid societal standards and beliefs keep you from enjoying your life and partaking in activities. Have fun and live life! 2) I also get to share my Christmas card with you all! Yay! ;) 


P.S: To those who are on my Christmas card list. My card are all addressed and ready to send out (I know, I'm ridiculous), I'll probably send them out shortly after Thanksgiving. :)