Fun fact about me: I like to collect holiday cards.

I feel like everyone has something that they collect, whether it be artwork, clothes, coins, sports items, etc. For me, it’s cards. You could say that cards are just an ordinary thing but their more than that. People can say holiday greetings or buy gifts, but to buy a holiday card takes thought.

I mean, think about it. When you get someone a card you have to look around for the specific reason/holiday. Once you find that then you gotta read through and see which one relates to them specifically. For the people that actually care to go the extra mile, you write a heartfelt saying or note. Finally, to finish it off, you sign.

It started with my mom showing me my baby book. She had some cards from the baby shower, and my first birthday. I would look through and ask her who everyone was. I was surprised how many people showed up for something about little me. As I got older I forgot about it a bit, but then I got to the age where I wanted birthday parties.

I’d attempt to have parties, and no one would show up. I’d switched to family-only parties but barely have family there, and just eventually stopped caring. I would be disappointed every time so I gave up. There’s nothing that hurts a kid more than feeling unliked or unloved. (Especially if other stuff throughout the year already makes them feel like that.)

The one thing that would cheer me up every single holiday faithfully, was receiving a card from my grandparents. They would send me something every time – Multiple times a year. Seeing the cute card they picked out, reading their note, and knowing that they remembered me on the holiday warmed my heart.

I gave up on celebrations, but I started collecting every single card I’d get. Keeping a stash so that any time I was feeling down I could go back and read through them and remember the things they see in me. I lost most of my cards during a move, but I still collect them as much as I can.

I even started collecting cards my kids get. Maybe one day they can look through them and feel the same way. They may be ordinary, but ordinary means a lot to me. I’d choose it over fancy any day.