It’s the time of year when we receive all sorts of interesting things in our snail mail box as well as our electronic mail box.

I was thinking the other day that I don’t believe there is as many Christmas cards sent through the mail today as there were a few years ago. I have no scientific polls to prove this, as all the pollsters are doing polls for the Presidential primaries.

Today a lot of Christmas cards are sent via e-mail. It quick, easy, cheaper, and you don’t have to go the post office or mail box to send them. Plus, we all see the annual stories of folks standing in line at the local Post Office to send packages to family and friends, so who would want to go to the Post Office around Christmas? My mail carrier dropped off a package the other day at my house. He looked like he was ready to go postal or something. There are just a few days left, so hang on!

We still receive a few Christmas cards via regular mail. One family always sends a newsletter to tell of their good and sometimes bad fortunes throughout the last year. Another family sends one with photos of the children. It just makes me feel older when the last time I remember seeing their child in person, they were in diapers. Now they are in law school.

Another distant relative always sends a card. No matter where we’re located, they find us. We seldom see each other, except at funerals.

Then we have Spam e-mails that are sent with holiday themes, like the one that asked me if I wanted to get laid this holiday season. Another one informed me that one in five homes will be robbed this holiday season. Thanks.

We received one card through the mail that showed cats singing on the front of the card, with the words “Wishing you Peace and Harmony” on the inside. It was cute. One friend sent me a card that had Hillary riding a donkey, with Bill walking along side (kind of like Mary and Joseph). The card had the words, “Hillary rides into Bethlehem with her ass…” on the outside and on the inside were the words, “…and her donkey.” I actually chuckled after reading that.

Of course, politicians send cards. Jon Tester sent me an electronic one from his campaign account with a scanned hand-written note and photo of him with his wife. He did not wish me a Merry Christmas, just Holiday Greetings – economy style. I know, it’s the thought that counts.

The best one from a politician was the one from Senator John McCain. He actually used the words, “Merry Christmas.” I like politicians who are not afraid to say “Merry Christmas.” There are some crappy places to be during Christmas, but nothing would compare to being a POW during Christmas. McCain even had a photo of a cross with his e-mail. Imagine that – a cross on Christmas.

After reading and seeing that, I feel blessed to be where I am.

The Barack Obama family sent a nice card too. The subject was “Our Tree.” Their kids are cute. I liked the message, too.

Of course, we all saw the window that was a cross in the Huckabee commercial. He received a lot of press out of that – but isn’t that the plan? There are other cards from the politicians out there, but so far in my opinion, McCain’s is the best.

My favorite band, REO Speedwagon, sent me an electronic card today. They said to have a Happy Holiday and asked me to come and party with them in 2008. It’s a deal!

We did not send any Christmas cards this year – it’s just been one of those years. So to all the folks who were waiting for one, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May God bless you and your family in 2008.