It's a funny one, those near-misses. I missed writing a thank-you to Kage Baker for providing large parts of my mental furniture; I managed one in time to a scientist whom I'd never met but who worked tirelessly to support early-career women in my field, and which I know she saw. I think the internet has helped a lot with awareness of those who are getting a bit worrisomely quiet.

Sometimes I use Christmas cards that way: it makes a time to think about remembering, a time to say thank you. We make our own traditions.