Christmas cards and yearbooks

I've always enjoyed writing on Christmas cards as much as I liked signing people's yearbooks when I was in high school.  In both cases, you have the chance to tell people you admire that they're in your thoughts and that you respect them.  It's also interesting to read the feedback you get in return.  Someone once wrote in my yearbook, "I'm glad we finally met this year, as I had heard many stories about your bohemian personality prior to actually meeting you."  Another favorite autograph read, "I know you'll go far in this world, and if you don't, make up one of your own.  I could only say something like that to you because only you would understand it."  It was a pleasure to respond in kind to both of those people and many others like them.  Regardless of how independent you think you are, it's always nice to be appreciated.