New Year's Postcards

One of the things I love about Japan is New Year's postcards. I love Christmas cards too, don't get me wrong. I'd be thrilled if I got an Eid or Kwanzaa or Hannukah card as well.

This year, however, we won't be sending New Year's cards because Big Fish's grandparents both passed away this summer. I don't really get this part of Japanese culture- if someone has a loss don't you think you'd want to send them best wishes for a better new year, right?

To inform people not to send us New Year's cards, we have to send mochu (bereavement) cards to people on our list. No lottery numbers on these, unfortunately! I know that the mochu cards are supposed to be colourless and boring but we've chosen some nice ones with a cute design and some (muted) colours. I do like to buck Japanese trends!

I love designing my own Christmas and New Year's Cards. I used to handmake them but digital is better, especially because I want to include pictures of my kids. I send postcards as Christmas cards now, mostly because I can't find a printer who will print cards- I'd have to get full pictures done then cut and fold them. Too much of a pain. Also, I like saving the envelope- I know sending cards is bad for the environment but I cannot resist! So it's nice to at least save that envelope paper.

It figures that this year, the year I can't send nengajo, I would have a great idea for them. Also, the post office has software that you can download for free to help design your own postcards- and it works on a Mac too! How cool is that?

This morning I received Little Fish's Christmas pajamas in the mail, so now I can start trying to take pictures for the Christmas card. That I am excited about!