The holiday season is a time to give thanks and appreciate the goodness of family and friends. Every Christmas, my family sends out greetings card with a picture of me and my sister to our family and friends, as a way to touch base and catch up. Although our hectic lives do not allow for everyone to come together during the holiday season, this picture is a symbol of our love and holiday wishes.. By Christmas day, my house is typically filled with cards from out closest family and friends, in addition to significant others that my family has not spoken to in years. This is an example of how greeting cards are a medium, as they are used to communicate a message or show thoughtfulness. Cards can be used to relay a multitude of messages, as they are sent to show love, express sympathy, birthday wishes, or wedding praise.. As McCluhan states, “media is the message”. Comparatively, cards spark emotions and relay messages that sometimes cannot be spoken in person.
In my first blog entry “Defining Media”, I spoke about media as a living breathing organism that has a perpetual circle of communication in which communication is passed. I feel that the greeting card fully embodies this definition. Cards are a tangible form of media that can be admired and kept as a keepsake. Cards help to cherish memories and recognize mile stones in life. I feel that cards are a timeless form of media, that appeal to consumers of all ages. It will be interesting to see if cards continue to be used as frequently in the next 20 years, considering the influx of technology. Many people today opt to send e-cards via email, which could drastically decrease the amount of cards sent in years to come.
A very interesting and unique medium choice. Even in today's fast paced, technological world, there is still something traditional and valuable about receiving holiday cards around this time of year. They evoke a sense of the holiday spirit that can't be rivaled by a text or a facebook message. Living on the Vineyard, I don't get to see my extended family too often. Holiday cards are a great way, as you mentioned, to stay in touch with family and friends you don't often see and let them know you're thinking about them this time of year.
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