We are weathering a unique season in history. I was thinking about the new year and wondering what to say in my Christmas card.

After learning about weathergrams—and making enough to prove they’re habit-forming—I planned to leave them outdoors in my neighbourhood for others to enjoy.

But the idea struck me that they could be scattered—more intentionally—further afield. Tucked into Christmas cards, they are now on their way to several countries.

A weathergram is a short poem about nature written on a strip of paper, then hung outdoors to weather. Traditionally, they are lettered in Italics using black ink and featuring a red initial. Weathergrams are made of natural materials that age as they return to the earth; the ephemeral nature of Kraft paper (hello, recycled grocery sacks) and twine seemed perfect.

A weathergram is traditionally hung outdoors around your home, along a trail or in a park that’s visited regularly. This allows you to witness its strength and resilience as it weathers the elements. I encourage recipients to choose a special place to hang their weathergrams. They’re attractive and could be kept in a drawer, but life is not lived like that…

May the Light of Christmas lead us forward. A new year begins…

Rotring acrylic ink, Higgins Eternal, Mitchell 3.5 and Pigma micron 005 on Kraft paper recycled from a grocery sack. Thank you, Bulk Barn!

More weathergram stories:
Weathergrams
Strength and Resilience
Weathering Winter
Nestergram
Weathering Spring
Chiming In
Heart of a Weathergram