There are people who are amazing and send out Christmas Cards with a picture of their family on the front every single year, that is not me.

I start out with the best of intentions and tell myself that I should get Christmas Cards this year. I think about getting a family photo and think about what everyone should wear. Then I think about the time it will take to get everyone together, the time it will take to shop for the clothes, and the time it will take to find a photographer. Even though my sister is a photographer (shameless plug).

I send my apologies because this year I really thought it would be a nice thing to do, and I even took on getting the Christmas cards out for work. I made sure to get everyone at the office to sign them. That takes over a week just to make sure everyone has been in to sign them.

I wish that I was one of those super organized moms who has everything together, but to be honest, I am barely making it. I work full time, attend school full time, and still attempt to have a semblance of family and social life.

It would seem as we move to the digital age, the sending of cards and letters has escaped us. I keep track of everyone on Facebook. Gone is the day of the family newsletter, like the one my mom used to send to update the family. Now, just check their Facebook or Instagram and you know what is going on in someone's life.

To me, cards are more than just a required etiquette. They show those you love that you took time out to think about them. In this, I feel I have failed. I barely manage to send a text now and then to those I care for. The tradition of the Christmas card was born out of not having enough time. The first man to send an actual card instead of a letter in the 1800s did so because he had too many friends and not enough time. He was a very smart man but started the tradition that most of us feel we must live up too.

There can never be too many friends, but time continues to slip away from us. Those who know me well, know that I wish them the best if a card is sent or not. A text or a facebook mention is the most that I can manage right now.

Please know that this year the thought and intention are there, but the timing is not. Next year I will be better. Next year I will have one more thing off my plate and be done with graduate school. Next year I will work on getting everyone's address and keeping it.

To all my friends and family, I love you dearly. I enjoy receiving your cards and letters, and I understand if you don't send them. I wish I could see every one of you for the holidays but the distance keeps us apart. I wish you the best and the merriest and a happy new year.