This is a simple but honest card with Sandra Herrgott's signature gum-leaf wreath.
If I could pick just one quote for this card, it would be this one:
Peace on earth will come to stay
When we live Christmas everyday.
Helen Steiner Rice
One of the greatest needs of the modern world is peace, not simply on a macro level but on the every-single-human level. Between our mental health, difficult relationships, the daily considerations of food, money and housework, being genuinely okay with a heavenly sort of stillness is often elusive.
If dear Ms Steiner Rice is correct, the key is to 'live Christmas' every day.
What does that mean?
Your perspective will likely depend on whether you have a faith in Jesus or whether you see the spiritual as somewhat more ethereal.
I would love to hear what you make of Christmas in the comments below. For me, I understand Christmas to be deeply tangible - a narrative of unrelenting trust in God for the present moment and the future. Truly - it's an edge-of-your-seat story of cultural dishonour and literal danger with two people at the centre who surrender their very safety to their God who helps them navigate every turn. And in that surrender they find a type of peace that lasts.
We all need that sort of peace.
So this season, wish with me peace on your friends and family. Not simply for the world in a sort of abstract way, but on earth. On the ground that you and I tread as we try to keep things together and move ourselves and each other forward.
For someone starting a new project, job, or venture, you might write a detailed sentiment about how you hope that it will go smoothly and they will have the support and resources to deal with each new challenge.
For someone encountering difficulties at home, you could share that you think of them often and that you hope the new year brings positive changes in relationships. If you've walked the path that they are walking, speak from your own journey.
And if you're looking to send a gift as well as a card, consider enclosing a token that will support their need for peace. It might be as simple as a single-serve herbal teabag with a note that you wish them many restorative five-minute cups of tea in the coming year. Or, on the other end, a new novel or chapbook of poetry so they can find therapeutic escape from the daily grind.
Whatever you choose, I hope you take a moment to think about what new rhythm you can adopt to embrace peace in the new year, too.
Rest and be thankful.
William Wordsworth