Postcards made of Paper

"Mares, someone just sent me a virtual postcard".

"Ok, what does it say"?

"Wishing you a Christmas wrapped in peace, sprinkled with joy, and filled with the quiet magic that only this season brings. May your days be gentle, your home feel warm, and your heart find moments of wonder. Here’s to love, laughter, and memories that shine long after the lights come down".

"Oh, but those are wonderful sentiments. Why do you look so glum".

"I know, but, don't you wish that it was written on an actual card, that you could place it on your hearth or dresser like the older folks used to do, I could pick it up, feel it's warmth and feel connected to the person who sent it".

"Ha, ha, ha. Joy, you are a millennial, you should be used to the digital age by now. Our age is accustomed to ubiquitous data, instant connectivity, social media, Ai and mobile devices".

"I know, I know. I think I was born old, a reincarnated entity who has had an old soul transferred to me".

"Now, that I can believe...you are certainly weird and mysterious, whoever thought of naming you Joy, had a dark sense of humor".

"Pfft. I am filled with joy, it just manifests on the inside".

"Well, you need to let it gush out like a torrential waterfall flowing from your chakra and chi, or whatever the yoga guys name your spirit and soul".

"Why have we diverted form paper postcards to the workings of my inner sanctum. I’m telling you, paper postcards are elite. They smell like nostalgia and questionable postal decisions".

"They also take three weeks to arrive and look like they fought a raccoon on the way".

"That’s called character. Digital postcards have zero personality. They’re just pixels in a trench coat".

"Excuse you, Joy, digital postcards are efficient. Instant. Eco‑friendly. No trees harmed, no raccoons involved".

"But can you stick a digital postcard on your fridge"?

"Yes. It’s called a screensaver".

"Aw, that’s not the same, Mares. A fridge deserves better than a slideshow of your brunch photos".

"And my phone deserves better than being forced to store your “Greetings from Margate” card like it’s a sacred relic".

"Paper postcards are romantic. They say, 'I thought of you, and then I physically wrote something with my actual hand'. Digital postcards say, 'I thought of you, but my hand was tired'.

"Millennials love authenticity. Millennials also love not losing things. Paper postcards vanish into the void like socks in a dryer".

"Fine. But when the apocalypse comes and the Wi‑Fi dies, my postcards will still exist".

"And I will proudly say, 'Joy survived because she hoarded stationery'".

"And you’ll be crying because your digital postcards are floating in the cloud… which no longer exists".

"Touché. But until then, I’ll be over here sending postcards at the speed of light".

"And I’ll be over here licking stamps like a Victorian ghost".

~~~

"Is that you digital doorbell ringing, ha ha ha ha. A bit hypocritical, don't you think. I KNOW YOU CAN STILL HEAR ME"!

"Oh, look. my Grandma sent me a postcard. Yeah! Now this I will cherish".

"Uh, huh. Until I find it in the recycle bin".

"Here, don't be jealous, I mailed your postcard a few days ago".

"You are completely hopeless. But now I feel all warm and fuzzy inside. You know, there is something to be said for actually touching and holding a warm blessing"!

"Ah ha. I told you".

"Happy Holidays sis. Hugs"!

"Yes, please".

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