While I think it is an excellent idea for people to express their seasonal greetings in the Observer when they are not in a position to personally send Christmas cards, I do hope that Christmas cards will not eventually become obsolete.

I know some people have decided to stop sending cards and, instead, will send a donation to charity.

Certainly a well intentioned decision, but most cards these days are sponsored by various charities.

Personally, Christmas is made for me by the lovely cards I receive. Without them I would feel very lonely and foresaken.

I still exchange cards with people I met in my first job over 60 years ago. We have kept in touch over the years, meeting up just occasionally if they have come here on holiday or when I visited relations up north some years ago.

Such cards are precious to me as, once a year, we update each other on our lives. Althugh so many years have passed, there is still that connection, for we have never lost touch thanks to our Christmas cards, even with the briefest of notes.

I am thankful for such long, even though faraway friendships, as I gaze at my colourful cards - some humorous, some nostalgic, but all sent with thoughtfulness and memories.

Barbara Stredder,