Every year, for as long as I can remember during my married life, I’ve helped my husband with Holiday cards and small gifts of appreciation for his clients. I add that to my personal cards and friends and family gifts.
I enjoyed when my daughter was in high school and helped me with this project because two hands are better than one!
I’ll never forget one year in the Palm Springs post office, when the postal worker asked me to re-label my stack of Frango Mints to save money on mailing. My daughter and I wrote new labels as fast as we could, and the postal worker was ringing them up and punching into her computer. We actually had teamwork going and it didn’t slow down the process at all for those waiting behind us. It looked like it did — because of us filling out new labels — but in reality it took no more time. The postal worker was moving as fast as she could and she hadn’t caught up to our new labeling.
But the comments and cursing I heard that day! My daughter had my back and defended us loudly to those behind us. I was afraid one impatient person was going to come to blows with us. Or my daughter would get into a fight defending me.
I’ve made friends with our postal workers in Carefree (like I did for 30 years in Palm Springs) and gave them their own box of Frangos. This will be my second year of overwhelming the small Carefree post office with packages. They’ve told me to never come in on Mondays and what hours are best. I’ve also learned to come in on multiple days with no more than ten to a dozen boxes. It may take a few more trips, but I understand how people in line get annoyed at having to wait.
I’ve never had a bad experience with a postal worker. Just the people waiting behind me.
I used to order gifts online with addresses and let the company do the labeling and mailing. I sent a delicious strudel from a Seattle bakery. But then my husband would get calls that the packaging came with the wrong names, etc. It’s easier to do it myself and get it right. Also, people all love Frangos, so I’ve given up on trying something new.
Thankfully, the gift giving in our family has gotten smaller. It’s been getting together that’s most important.
So what are Frangos?
My sweet memory of Frangos goes back to shopping with Mom in downtown Seattle. We’d go to the old-fashioned department store Frederick and Nelson, which had one floor dedicated to fabrics and notions, one for housewares, one for toys and children’s clothing, etc. At the end of our trip we’d have lunch at the counter and finish the day off with one Frango mint each.
What gift giving traditions do you continue during the holidays?
How often do you see impatient people at the Post Office in December? Would you groan standing behind me in line?
Never heard of a fringe, but not I want one.
Oh….you want one. You really want one. Sooooo good, Jules! 🥰
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You can order them online from Macy’s. 😊
I don’t think I’ve been to the post office in decades. And no gift giving either, unless it’s a birthday of my grand children. The grown ups prefer cash to buy what they like/ need / want
This is a once a year big project.
Yes I remember you wrote about it last year
I did. It takes me a couple weeks and is a relief when it’s all done!
I think your personal endeavors make this gift of more value
Thank you! I do think it’s nicer than sending something from Amazon.😊
Indeed the personal touch makes a lot of difference
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I recently came across this “The real index of civilization is when people are kinder than they need to be.” (Louis de Bernieres) holds not only in the post office?
Fascinating quote!
Just as I searched “Frangos” in a separate tab, you answered my question. The mint chocolates sound delicious!
They are the best! It’s a small gift that everyone appreciates.
This is a divine post, Elizabeth…today would’ve been my dear mother-in-law Maxine’s 102 birthday and although she’s been gone for fourteen years, we still think of her and how much she adored her annual box of Frango mints for her birthday every year. Being a Chicago girl, she knew everything there was to know about the Marshall Field’s candy kitchen where Frangos were born and delighted in receiving a box every year, savoring one a day with her afternoon cup of tea. When they were gone, they were gone and she’d pine for her birthday treats until the following year – even though she could easily pick up another box anytime she had a craving. Thank you for sharing the sweet (wink!) story. Big hugs! 🥰
That is such a delightful story about your mother-in-law. I savor one Frango a day while I package and mail them out to clients. I’m with Maxine. They wouldn’t be so special if you just picked up a box whenever you wanted.
I can’t wait to tell Paul about your post and the fun Frango connection on his mom’s birthday. So special. Love you bunches, dear Elizabeth. (Maxine would’ve adored you, too, you Frango soul-sister!) xo! 🥰
I love the connection! Have a wonderful weekend! 💕
You too! 🥰
We are flying to SF for a friend’s bday party and will get to see our kids. ❤️
Ohhhh…I’m thrilled to hear that. Safe travels! 🥰
Thanks! With our DIL we’ll be walking outside wearing masks. But at least we get to be together 💕
Yes…yes…together – however you can make that work. ❤️
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What a great plan EA, to work with the post office staff in planning this event. Easier for everyone and hopefully allowing less grumpy folks to be irritated- although sometimes everything irritates them! My post office is small and almost always has only 1 rep working so I go in expecting to simply wait and fortunately I don’t mail things often. The cost is astronomical now, often more than what I spent for the contents of the box so the family has moved on to alternative thoughts on gifting going forward.
This post office is small too and there is often only one person or sometimes two. It does work out to come in the early mornings and not one Mondays. Sometimes I’m the only one there. Yes, the cost of mailing is about equal to the Frangos.
Frangos!! I can just imagine that sweet tradition with your mother. Such a Seattle thing! I love your efficiency and partnership with the post office. You are inspiring me to get going! Happy Friday, dear Elizabeth!
It is such a Seattle tradition. I’m glad they haven’t disappeared or changed. Although there is a new flavor that is amazing. It’s called green mint.
Frango mints are INCREDIBLE. I had no idea they were a Seattle tradition! In Chicago, we associate them with Marshall Field’s. My oldest daughter loves them because they remind her of her grandmother, who used to take her there during the holidays.
Isn’t it amazing the memories a small little mint brings to us?
Yes!
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I remember those delicious mints! I wasn’t aware what they were called… only that they’d appear in our house every Christmas when I was growing up. Your husband’s clients will be bummed when he retires 🙂
The Frangos hold so many memories for me of growing up in Seattle. In my sorority at the UW Christmas was a Frango exchange. That’s all we bought each other. I’m glad you remember them too.
You’re that PERSON in the mail line! BTW my Frangos got lost in the mail. I guess you mislabeled that one (LOL).
You gave me a good laugh. Yes, I’m that PERSON! Sorry about the mix up with the Frangos.
I wonder if Macy’s might do a better job of delivering that you other experience. I see the Frangos are on sale half price now! (No, I’ve never heard of them before.)
I do little shipping these days and try to avoid busy times. If I do have to wait for someone with a lot of stuff, I just chill and eavesdrop a bit. No point in getting agitated. It will be my turn when it’s my turn.
I also include a Christmas card too, so it’s easier to do that in one package. At least I think it is. I’m pretty patient at the post office too, knowing I am one who causes wait times.
Wow, what a heartwarming story! It’s great to see the teamwork between you and your daughter during the holiday season. It’s also wonderful that you have made friends with your postal workers and shared the joy of Frango mints with them. Keep spreading the love and joy during the holidays! This article captures the true spirit of giving during the holidays. It’s heartwarming to see the author’s dedication to spreading joy and appreciation to loved ones and even postal workers. The story of the postal worker incident shows the importance of teamwork and understanding. Overall, a lovely read!
Why thank you for the kind comment.