Connections and traditions with family and friends serve as an island in the sea of life—a brief rest from the stress and turmoil of the world. It reaffirms the meaning of our existence and helps to make sense of the craziness. These connections, either as rituals or traditions, help us maintain a healthy outlook during times of crisis.
These connections also help by providing an arena to practice social skills in a safe environment. We develop communication and learn to accept and give support with encouraging words and gestures. The other people in the support structure learn that they are important as they help us feel important.
When used often enough, they become traditions that are handed down from generation to generation. Most rituals occur at different holidays or for birthdays and anniversaries. However, anytime something happens at certain times, it can be considered a tradition. With the advanced technology of today’s computers, even with people scattered all over, greetings and notes can substitute for the personal visit. Most everyone has email and can stay in touch to share the little everyday events. For special events, the ability to send e-cards and even, (gasp) a card through the postal service, enhances the occasion for the person receiving that message.
Many Web sites specialize in greeting cards for all occasions. Sending a card to someone, whether through the mail or through the computer, is one way of letting the other person know that you are thinking of them. It makes them feel loved and special. With a variety of pictures and scenes to choose from, it is easy to stay in touch with friends and family. Some of them can even be personalized to meet your needs.
A good ritual can tolerate some flexibility and a healthy family relationship will survive many ups and downs. How you enjoy spending time with your family will, in most cases, control how the tradition progresses. Some events are seasonal, like sports. Some events are year-around, like holidays. The message is sent to your family and friends that they are an important part of your life and helps to bridge those times when you can’t be together.
Greeting cards are not the only way to stay in touch. Oftentimes a small gift can send a special message.
Calendars
Calendars offer several different styles to choose from. Themes feature anything from animals to zodiac. They can be personalized with photos and logos.
Miscellaneous
Other gifts are puzzles, ceramic mugs, flexible magnets, notepads, bookmarks, stationery, and posters.
E-cards
For those who would rather send e-cards, a wide variety of themes from religious, to western, to humorous can also be found. They can be personalized to fit any occasion and can include sound or motion.
Personalized Greeting and Photo Cards
Personalized greeting cards feature different themes to cover almost any tradition. These are also appropriate for business as well as personal use.
Boxed-Assortment Cards
A great thing to have on hand for those occasions that come up are the everyday card assortment boxes. Inside are samples for different events. They are available in both regular size cards or as note cards and can be preprinted or blank.
Choose those companies who work to minimize their impact on the environment by using recycled paper for the cards and envelopes. Responsible businesses employ an extensive recycling program throughout all the buildings. Many also proudly donate to a tree-planting program and use wind-generated or solar electricity whenever possible. They work with several other organizations to maintain a clean environment and use soy inks in printing their cards.
