TW: Death. Christmas Cards

[DriveVerySlowlyPastNumber23IWantThemToSeeMyHat]

Nearly 2 years ago, my lovely Grandad died and it really hit me hard.

From being very little, I always saved my birthday and Christmas cards. No real reason other than sentimental value but a few years ago, I decided to get rid of my collection and save one card from each family member/close friends.

I am do glad I did because last year, seeing 'Love Nanna' without my Grandad's name absolutely broke my heart and I was so glad I had the card I saved to look back on.

Please save one card from each person, just so you have something to look back on ❤️

That's good advice. The same with letters (though I appreciate not many people send them anymore and those that do probably already save them!)

I'm sorry about your grandad. Grief is weird and hits you at unexpected times.

I save my fave cards from each occasion Including my children’s birthdays with any special words in. Also so glad I have my cards from my mum as she passed when I was 27

I only ever get letters from my great aunt who doesn't live local and I cherish those.

Thankyou for your kind words ❤️

I'm so sorry to hear about your Mum but pleased you have something from her ❤️

I've always saved cards or at least kept important ones. To see your cards being signed form Mum and Dad to just Mum is so painful. Also close friends you would never have dreamed of losing, seeing their handwriting is so meaningful. Same with letters, think I've kept every single one! Xxx

I do this too. I’m sorry for your losses xxx

I never kept cards. Not a fan of cards. My DH and DC always make joke bets on how long I'll keep cards up before dumping them in the recycling. The kids 20 & 18 always kept theirs and I just didn't get it. But my mum has stage 4 lung and liver cancer so I'm keeping her cards to us all this year. I feel a bit silly doing it. Bit maudlin maybe. But it feels right. Sad to think they will likely be our last.

It really is 💔 when we visited Nanna last year and she gave me the card, I made an excuse to wait til we got home as I knew Grandad wouldn't be on there. The tears that followed were just like the day we lost him.

Sending love to you xx

Same to you ❤️

There's nothing silly and I promise you when the time comes, you'll treasure those cards and the memories forever. Thinking of you all xx

Another thing to add, I've started taking photos at every opportunity. I barely have any of me and Grandad so want my daughter to have as many as possible

Aw I know, it's heartbreaking 💔 Love to you too xx

Whilst we call and text regularly, DD (who is at university) and I write letters and cards regularly. She has them on a pin-board. We both love it and a couple of aunts have begun to do the same with her too after I encouraged them to write. It feels so much nicer and more personal than an email.

I won't throw away the Christmas cards which were received in 2024 until I have gone through them and kept the 'last one' from anyone who has died in the last 12 months.

I like receiving cards but I’m not sentimental about them. The only ones I’ve ever kept are three cards my older brother sent me when I was in my early 20s, which he drew especially for me (he’s very talented at art) and one that my dad gave me when I graduated that he signed ‘love from the proudest dad in the world’.

I do have other odds and ends that remind me of people, though, and lots of photos. My dad died a couple of months ago and I’m very grateful that my mum kept so many photos throughout her life with him as it was such a comfort to look through them all.

@ThePerfectWeekend, I love that you write to eachother. It's much more personal and so lovely to get something in the post that isn't a bill!