There seems to be a conspiracy amongst the manufacturers of greeting cards not to produce cards with a Christmas theme like the Madonna and Child, the Nativity scene – the Christ Child in a manger with animals around, the Three Wise Men, the star of Bethlehem and angels singing Joy to the World. Instead they concentrate on the festivities – Frosty the Snowman, mistletoe and holly, Santa Claus, Christmas trees, candy cane, etc., etc., but no Christmas themes.
Years ago I used to select cards bearing in mind each person I was sending a card to, and looking to find the appropriate Christmas massage for him or her. I hoped that they would read the words and appreciate my effort.
Later on I tried to find boxes of cards of one design with words which appealed to my taste. I would buy individual cards with a Christmas theme for my friends who had a preference for them.
In recent years, I buy boxes of cards with a Christmas theme and the same words for everyone. It saves time, though I don’t know what I am saving it for. I am like these motorists who have to overtake the vehicle in front of them to save time, even though their destination is nearby, like a traffic light. I had to get that in because it is silly to see vehicles trying to overtake other vehicles in the City where all they gain is a few moments. I think I will be making a contribution to sane driving during this festive season, if anyone who reads this article reflects and take heed.
Back to Christmas cards. It is getting harder and harder to find them in boxes. You can buy individual cards with Christmas themes (imported from abroad) for three dollars or more each. Pensioners like me can’t afford this. There is one department store on Albert Street which used to stock at least one or two different boxes of cards with Christmas themes at a reasonable price. I went there this year and there was only one such box, or so I thought. On the outside of the box there was a picture of three small figures side by side. I snatched it, thinking that they were the Three Wise Men. Lo and behold when I looked at the box more carefully, I saw that the figures were three miniature Santa Clauses. Inside, the cards had a picture of a single robust Santa Claus with the usual bag of toys, on his back. I think I am beginning to lose my childhood regard for Saint Nick.
Just as I was beginning to give up and decide not to send out any cards this year, someone came to me and said, “Father Stochl has real Christmas cards and the price is reasonable.”
I said, “Let’s go see Father Stochl.” This someone is a good friend who is always very busy, but he said, “I need some cards too”. I will make an appointment with the padre (who also has a busy schedule) and we will go see him tomorrow, which is a holiday.
The cards Father Stochl showed us are of Christmas scenes. They are pen line drawings in black and white done by the prisoners at Kolbe. It is a modest effort but it is art by Belizeans. The cards are sold six for five dollars. We bought a supply and I suggested to Father Stochl that the cards might be done in color for a higher price, and there might be the making of a cottage industry here. They will need the help of the proper agency, and perhaps by next year we could be sending these cards all over the world. People, in general, prefer art to the glossy and mundane.
There is a sample of one of the cards printed below which the Editor of Amandala has agreed to insert free of charge. The idea of patronizing a local industry and saving foreign exchange should appeal.