Each year I photograph something ‘Christmasy’ and create my own personal and unique Christmas card. Usually I print the cards myself on good quality paper in such a way that the cards are suitable for framing. By doing this, I hope that my cards are not only a holiday greeting, but also a small gift for each recipient.
© Sue Henry
Occasionally I’ll hear a ‘thank you for the special card,’ or ‘I really enjoyed your card this year.’ However, typically there are no comments or responses; one can only hope the card was appreciated.
© Sue Henry
One special elderly friend from my home town was the exception. She lived alone and rarely ventured out of her house. Visits from family members, hours of telephone conversations with friends, and the television were her primary avenues for contact and connection with others.
During each of my visits ‘home,’ I would always set aside time to visit this special friend and over the years a strong bond was formed. She always asked about my photography and always commented about my Christmas cards.
She passed away this year.
Recently I received a letter from her daughter. In the letter she thanked me for my ongoing friendship with her mother…and my beautiful Christmas cards. It seems that she found all of my cards collected in a special place. I felt as if I had received a gift when I read her letter; a gift in knowing my cards (and my photography) had been appreciated.
Often we never really know how meaningful or impactful our art can be to others.
© Sue Henry
May the dove of peace and the spirit of the season be with you and yours this holiday season.
Merry Christmas!
Submitted by Sue Henry
This is so beautiful it brought tears to my eyes. It reminds me of sending cards and little gifts to my Aunt who passed away 2 years ago. Thank you.
Thank you, Joan, for taking the time to visit our blog AND for taking the time to leave a comment. Merry Christmas. ~ Sue
Beautiful Sue.
Thank you, Maggie! You knew the person I’m talking about. 🙂 ~ Sue
This is what life is about and reaching out to others at Christmas. Thanks Sue for sharing your story and photography!
And thank you, Susan, for stopping by this morning. Hope your family is doing well. Tell them I wish them a Merry Christmas. ~ Sue
Lovely, lovely images. Great gifts, and thanks for the reminder that our photo art makes a valuable contribution.
It’s always nice to hear from you, Anita. Thank you for your kind comments. Merry Christmas! ~Sue
It’s a touching and beautiful story, Sue, and your cards feel special. Once I read that when you put your stuff out there, you never know who is looking what impact it has and I liked that idea. In the positive sense, it’s not just about presenting our work, it’s also about sharing, giving and taking and that is so much more…
Ah, yes, Petra! I try so hard to keep an open mind and not ‘pre-judge’ as I share my work. I know that what ‘touches’ one person does not always ‘touch’ another. We all have such unique and individual experiences that shape our perceptions. Thanks for stopping by, Petra. Nice to hear from you. Happy New Year!!! ~Sue