Ever since I was a little kid, I've loved the Christmas season. I'm not among those "politically correct" folk who make it a point to wish everyone a "Happy Holiday." I'm not ashamed to admit I'm a Christian and heartily wish everyone, each and all, a "Merry Christmas," because Jesus is indeed the reason for the season.
So, in the true spirit of Christmas, I send along a few Christmas cards to my blogging brethren to help spread a little Christmas cheer. I have fun seeking out and including a card specifically tailored to their collection and have absolutely no ulterior motive or expectations, other than to wish my fellow collectors a truly Merry Christmas.
However, those on my card list often desire to reciprocate and this year, I got some rather nice Christmas greetings in return. None of them included a partridge in a pear tree, or eight maids a milking, but they were very nice, all the same.
For example, T.J., over at Junior Junkie, contributed some Padres cardboard for my burgeoning collection.
2004 Bowman Chrome Autograph Jon Knott, 2003 Playoff Portraits Dennis Tankersley, 1985 Topps Rub Downs Kirk Gibson/Goose Gossage/Don Mattingly, Dave Stieb, 1990 Finest Steve Finley, 2014 Bowman Platinum Prospects Austin Hedges and Hunter Renfroe, Fleer Stickers Jack Murphy Stadium and a 2014 Stadium Club Tony Gwynn. Even though Jack Murphy Stadium has been purchase-named Qualcomm Stadium, I'm "old school" and it'll always be the "Murph" to me. After all, they name these facilities after someone for a reason.
Meanwhile, P-Town Tom, the eternal Cubbie optimist of the Waiting 'Til Next Year blog also sent some Padres goodness in return, including these 1991 Swell Baseball Greats Earl Wilson, 1990 Swell Baseball Greats Johnny Podres, 1990 Pacific Legends Dave Dravecky, and 1976 SSPC John Grubb, Dan Spillner, Mike Ivie and Tito Fuentes. You have to love those '76 SSPC cards - talk about a moment frozen in time. Just check out those fashion statements - Grubb's "windshield" glasses, Ivie's killer 'burns and Fuentes' soul patch, before soul patches were cool.
Topher, over at Crackin' Wax also sent a very nice Christmas Card/thank you note in response for his postal Christmas wish.
Even though it's now January, there is only one other Christmas card I wasn't able to send, since we just discovered it sitting on the floor by one of our end tables. Rest assured, however, it's never to late to spread a little Christmas cheer.