Dear reader...

HEARING THE FAMILIAR clatter of the letterbox does not ordinarily fill me with anticipation. More often than not, the resulting pile of post on the doormat comprises bills, leaflets and catalogues. But it is mid December, and there has, in recent days, been a slow crescendo of colourful envelopes posted through my door.

I pick up a red one with a white panel on the front bordered in holly. The address is beautifully written in cursive script; its frame of foliage elevating it to a work of art. Another sports a colourful stamp; the kind that as a child I would, using the steam of the kettle, carefully peel off and save in a little scrapbook.

The first card of the season is always from my cousin; a cheery greeting arriving days before any of the others. More follow, some with a simple missive; others with a brief round-up of the latest news; one or two with a letter charting the highs and lows of the year past.

Pictures of robins, snowmen, churches and even the classic red pillar box, that familiar beacon of Yuletide messages, sit together on the fireplace; a growing exhibition of greetings of joy and well-wishes for Christmas and beyond.

Regardless of the design or the salutation, each one carries inside heartfelt greetings of love and companionship. At a time when friends and family may not be able to be together, they can post their love and hope for a better year, in a festive red envelope.

Wishing you a happy and healthy Christmas,