Confess. As soon as the turkey left the table on Thanksgiving, you started worrying about Christmas cards, right? That little background voice, the one that drives you nuts with lists of the things you haven't done yet but should, began whispering - how many cards are you going to send this year? Where did you put the ones leftover from last year? Will you get in gear and design your own this time?
Whatever your answer, I have a truly authentic idea for you once the cards are done and sealed. Take a trip to Christmas, Florida and get your cards stamped with a CHRISTMAS, FL postmark. How cool is that? Not only will your recipients keep your card, they'll keep the envelope!
In addition to having your cards canceled with the Christmas postmark, the Post Office staff puts out decorative stamps in the lobby for you to jazz up your envelopes even more.
Wait, you say, where is Christmas? Glad you asked. Here is a map link. No, it is not next to the North Pole. It is in Orange County, FL. Christmas is a small city 20 miles east of Orlando on Highway 50. The United States Post Office address is 23580 East Colonial Drive, Christmas, phone (407) 568-2941. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon. From December 1 through 22 there are extended hours on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The original town was named Fort Christmas after the time of year a fort was built in 1837. When the Post Office opened in 1892 the word ‘fort’ was dropped and the Christmas season invasion began. Last Friday, Nov. 30, for example, the Post Office had 5,000 people come through in one day and they were not there to pay bills.
While you are in the area, after you have mailed your cards, visit Fort Christmas Historical Park. The park has a replica of the original fort. Visiting is free. The address is 1300 Fort Christmas Road (County Road 420), Christmas, FL, phone (407) 568-4149. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the winter. Sunday hours are 1-5 p.m., closed Mondays.
Now, let's get started on those cards . . . I know they are around here somewhere. |
