Guest guest Posted December 8, 2009 Report Share Posted December 8, 2009 Hi All, A pagan friend wrote this for another Forum. I loved it so much that I thought I would pass it on to my friends in this group. Happy Yuletide, Blessings, Iona x The Magic of Christmas Cards By Bronwynn Forrest Torgerson No holiday fruitcake for me, but please keep those Christmas cards coming! From the first Christmas card, commissioned by Sir Henry Cole in England in 1843 to remind friends of the need for charity to the poor, to the kaleidoscope of boxed assortments in stores today, the Christmas card endures. I am a die-hard card sender, who believes that the price of a stamp is an inexpensive tool for reconnection. A friend in the distance can be remembered and brought closer. An olive branch can be extended for the cost of a signature and a stamp. In this `virtual' world we live in, pen and paper have become a vanishing art. E-cards save trees, postage and time. Still, they will never replace the joy of rediscovering a cherished Christmas card, stored in a box with the lights and tinsel, and having your heart open up all over again to the words and the closeness of a friend. I propose a new custom this Yuletide. We'll call it the Seven Christmas Cards, one for each day of the week. After you have sent out your greetings to family and friends, hold seven cards and some stamps aside. Choose a special Holiday candle in a fragrance you enjoy and light it for a few minutes this week as you choose a card to send and ask for guidance as to where it should go. On Sunday, consider those who in some way have made your everyday world a better place. This may include the TV anchorman whose truth and humor you admire, the preschool teacher who opened up early when you had a meeting at work, or the receptionist at your doctor's office who was gentle with you on that day you were so upset. Jot a few words and sign your name. While worthiness never seeks a reward, by acknowledging it, it continues to spread and to grow. Honor goodness today. As you pop the card in the mail, say, " May this wish be well received. Blessed Be. " On Monday, remember that Solstice is a festival of Light. Think of those whose words have made you go `ah-ah', and choose one to receive your card. This might be a teacher or the editor of your favorite magazine. It could just as easily be your nephew who visited during college break and who astonished you with his hopes and dreams and perceptions of the world. What a wonderful thing is light! Let us shine for one another. As you mail this card, say softly, " May Light return to the world. Blessed Be. " Tuesday's card goes to someone, perhaps long forgotten, who helped you become who you are today. This might be a coven-mate from many years ago or a growing-up friend with whom you shared your secrets. It might be a boss from the days you waited tables to make ends meet, whose memory reminds you how hard that job can be, and inclines you to leave good tips for conscientious service. As you mail this card, say, " Through knowing you, I became a better me. Thank you and Blessed Be. " On Wednesday, choose a card and remember those far away. If you belong to an organization which sends care packages to pagan soldiers, a note in a card can say, " I appreciate what you are doing, and we at home are proud of you. " If there is an international charity you support, tuck your check in a Christmas card and touch someone in the distance. Mail the card and say, " Thank you. I honor the work of your hands. Blessed Be. " On Thursday, celebrate someone who shares a common cause. This might be the person who has steadfastly organized the discussion group you belong to, made the reservations and lined up interesting speakers. It could just as easily be the founder or chairperson of a social action endeavor you are passionately involved with. Wherever your passion and your presence lie, there should a Christmas card go. Mail the card and say, " My gratitude comes with this greeting. Thank you for inviting me to join you. Blessed Be. " Friday is all about forgiveness. This is a tough one, and takes a few days of building up towards it. Search your heart. With wounds that still go deep, this may not be the season that you can let go. But such things run in `layers'. If an old offense has long ago lost its sting, it's time to pull that splinter from your heart. As you sign your name and pop this card in the mail, you might say, " We're beyond that now. Let's move on. " On Saturday, give a greeting card to a stranger. Purchase a $5 gift card, for Starbucks, Subway or any other good but inexpensive place. Place it inside the card, and instead of signing your name, simply write, `Merry Christmas'. Take it with you as you go about your day. Offer it when you feel that inner nudge. The Gods go often in the stranger's guise. A harried cashier may smile. The man at the bus stop might buy supper. You will never know, but the Yuletide will burn brighter in your heart. In this Season of Miracles, let us Seek the Light, Share the Light, Shine the Light and Become the Light. Blessed Be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 8, 2009 Report Share Posted December 8, 2009 Thanks Iona, i love it. blessings and thanks for sharing, Jan , iona winton <ionaskydancer wrote: > > Hi All, > > A pagan friend wrote this for another Forum. I loved it so much that I thought I would pass it on to my friends in this group. > > Happy Yuletide, > > Blessings, Iona x > > The Magic of Christmas Cards > By Bronwynn Forrest Torgerson > > No holiday fruitcake for me, but please keep those Christmas cards coming! From the first Christmas card, commissioned by Sir Henry Cole in England in 1843 to remind friends of the need for charity to the poor, to the kaleidoscope of boxed assortments in stores today, the Christmas card endures. I am a die-hard card sender, who believes that the price of a stamp is an inexpensive tool for reconnection. A friend in the distance can be remembered and brought closer. An olive branch can be extended for the cost of a signature and a stamp. > > In this `virtual' world we live in, pen and paper have become a vanishing art. E-cards save trees, postage and time. Still, they will never replace the joy of rediscovering a cherished Christmas card, stored in a box with the lights and tinsel, and having your heart open up all over again to the words and the closeness of a friend. > > I propose a new custom this Yuletide. We'll call it the Seven Christmas Cards, one for each day of the week. After you have sent out your greetings to family and friends, hold seven cards and some stamps aside. Choose a special Holiday candle in a fragrance you enjoy and light it for a few minutes this week as you choose a card to send and ask for guidance as to where it should go. > > On Sunday, consider those who in some way have made your everyday world a better place. This may include the TV anchorman whose truth and humor you admire, the preschool teacher who opened up early when you had a meeting at work, or the receptionist at your doctor's office who was gentle with you on that day you were so upset. Jot a few words and sign your name. While worthiness never seeks a reward, by acknowledging it, it continues to spread and to grow. Honor goodness today. As you pop the card in the mail, say, " May this wish be well received. Blessed Be. " > > On Monday, remember that Solstice is a festival of Light. Think of those whose words have made you go `ah-ah', and choose one to receive your card. This might be a teacher or the editor of your favorite magazine. It could just as easily be your nephew who visited during college break and who astonished you with his hopes and dreams and perceptions of the world. What a wonderful thing is light! Let us shine for one another. As you mail this card, say softly, " May Light return to the world. Blessed Be. " > > Tuesday's card goes to someone, perhaps long forgotten, who helped you become who you are today. This might be a coven-mate from many years ago or a growing-up friend with whom you shared your secrets. It might be a boss from the days you waited tables to make ends meet, whose memory reminds you how hard that job can be, and inclines you to leave good tips for conscientious service. As you mail this card, say, " Through knowing you, I became a better me. Thank you and Blessed Be. " > > On Wednesday, choose a card and remember those far away. If you belong to an organization which sends care packages to pagan soldiers, a note in a card can say, " I appreciate what you are doing, and we at home are proud of you. " If there is an international charity you support, tuck your check in a Christmas card and touch someone in the distance. Mail the card and say, " Thank you. I honor the work of your hands. Blessed Be. " > > On Thursday, celebrate someone who shares a common cause. This might be the person who has steadfastly organized the discussion group you belong to, made the reservations and lined up interesting speakers. It could just as easily be the founder or chairperson of a social action endeavor you are passionately involved with. Wherever your passion and your presence lie, there should a Christmas card go. Mail the card and say, " My gratitude comes with this greeting. Thank you for inviting me to join you. Blessed Be. " > > Friday is all about forgiveness. This is a tough one, and takes a few days of building up towards it. Search your heart. With wounds that still go deep, this may not be the season that you can let go. But such things run in `layers'. If an old offense has long ago lost its sting, it's time to pull that splinter from your heart. As you sign your name and pop this card in the mail, you might say, " We're beyond that now. Let's move on. " > > On Saturday, give a greeting card to a stranger. Purchase a $5 gift card, for Starbucks, Subway or any other good but inexpensive place. Place it inside the card, and instead of signing your name, simply write, `Merry Christmas'. Take it with you as you go about your day. Offer it when you feel that inner nudge. The Gods go often in the stranger's guise. A harried cashier may smile. The man at the bus stop might buy supper. You will never know, but the Yuletide will burn brighter in your heart. > > In this Season of Miracles, let us Seek the Light, Share the Light, Shine the Light and Become the Light. Blessed Be. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 8, 2009 Report Share Posted December 8, 2009 Dear Iona, I nearly missed this and what a gem it is. The Christmas season began for me today with a feast day/ holy day for Mary, mother of Jesus, so this is very timely. All the boxes of decorations came out of the attic and we had fun decorating the house. I am going to get the 7 cards, I really liked this. thanks. Love Julia , iona winton <ionaskydancer wrote: > > Hi All, > > A pagan friend wrote this for another Forum. I loved it so much that I thought I would pass it on to my friends in this group. > > Happy Yuletide, > > Blessings, Iona x > > The Magic of Christmas Cards > By Bronwynn Forrest Torgerson > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 8, 2009 Report Share Posted December 8, 2009 Thanks Iona, I love sending out cards each year and I still do this. I bought a box of 40 cards the other day and do not have that many on my list to send to. I will find someone to to send them to that I normally would not. If I have more left over I may give to more than one stranger. Thanks, those extra cards will not be wasted. Love, Linda , iona winton <ionaskydancer wrote: > > Hi All, > > A pagan friend wrote this for another Forum. I loved it so much that I thought I would pass it on to my friends in this group. > > Happy Yuletide, > > Blessings, Iona x > > The Magic of Christmas Cards > By Bronwynn Forrest Torgerson > > No holiday fruitcake for me, but please keep those Christmas cards coming! From the first Christmas card, commissioned by Sir Henry Cole in England in 1843 to remind friends of the need for charity to the poor, to the kaleidoscope of boxed assortments in stores today, the Christmas card endures. I am a die-hard card sender, who believes that the price of a stamp is an inexpensive tool for reconnection. A friend in the distance can be remembered and brought closer. An olive branch can be extended for the cost of a signature and a stamp. > > In this `virtual' world we live in, pen and paper have become a vanishing art. E-cards save trees, postage and time. Still, they will never replace the joy of rediscovering a cherished Christmas card, stored in a box with the lights and tinsel, and having your heart open up all over again to the words and the closeness of a friend. > > I propose a new custom this Yuletide. We'll call it the Seven Christmas Cards, one for each day of the week. After you have sent out your greetings to family and friends, hold seven cards and some stamps aside. Choose a special Holiday candle in a fragrance you enjoy and light it for a few minutes this week as you choose a card to send and ask for guidance as to where it should go. > > On Sunday, consider those who in some way have made your everyday world a better place. This may include the TV anchorman whose truth and humor you admire, the preschool teacher who opened up early when you had a meeting at work, or the receptionist at your doctor's office who was gentle with you on that day you were so upset. Jot a few words and sign your name. While worthiness never seeks a reward, by acknowledging it, it continues to spread and to grow. Honor goodness today. As you pop the card in the mail, say, " May this wish be well received. Blessed Be. " > > On Monday, remember that Solstice is a festival of Light. Think of those whose words have made you go `ah-ah', and choose one to receive your card. This might be a teacher or the editor of your favorite magazine. It could just as easily be your nephew who visited during college break and who astonished you with his hopes and dreams and perceptions of the world. What a wonderful thing is light! Let us shine for one another. As you mail this card, say softly, " May Light return to the world. Blessed Be. " > > Tuesday's card goes to someone, perhaps long forgotten, who helped you become who you are today. This might be a coven-mate from many years ago or a growing-up friend with whom you shared your secrets. It might be a boss from the days you waited tables to make ends meet, whose memory reminds you how hard that job can be, and inclines you to leave good tips for conscientious service. As you mail this card, say, " Through knowing you, I became a better me. Thank you and Blessed Be. " > > On Wednesday, choose a card and remember those far away. If you belong to an organization which sends care packages to pagan soldiers, a note in a card can say, " I appreciate what you are doing, and we at home are proud of you. " If there is an international charity you support, tuck your check in a Christmas card and touch someone in the distance. Mail the card and say, " Thank you. I honor the work of your hands. Blessed Be. " > > On Thursday, celebrate someone who shares a common cause. This might be the person who has steadfastly organized the discussion group you belong to, made the reservations and lined up interesting speakers. It could just as easily be the founder or chairperson of a social action endeavor you are passionately involved with. Wherever your passion and your presence lie, there should a Christmas card go. Mail the card and say, " My gratitude comes with this greeting. Thank you for inviting me to join you. Blessed Be. " > > Friday is all about forgiveness. This is a tough one, and takes a few days of building up towards it. Search your heart. With wounds that still go deep, this may not be the season that you can let go. But such things run in `layers'. If an old offense has long ago lost its sting, it's time to pull that splinter from your heart. As you sign your name and pop this card in the mail, you might say, " We're beyond that now. Let's move on. " > > On Saturday, give a greeting card to a stranger. Purchase a $5 gift card, for Starbucks, Subway or any other good but inexpensive place. Place it inside the card, and instead of signing your name, simply write, `Merry Christmas'. Take it with you as you go about your day. Offer it when you feel that inner nudge. The Gods go often in the stranger's guise. A harried cashier may smile. The man at the bus stop might buy supper. You will never know, but the Yuletide will burn brighter in your heart. > > In this Season of Miracles, let us Seek the Light, Share the Light, Shine the Light and Become the Light. Blessed Be. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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