The year my husband and I got married, I was determined to be the perfect wife at Christmas. I decorated, wrapped presents, made arrangements to spend time with both families…..and sent out close to 100 Christmas cards.
Over the years we’ve dropped some people from our list and added others. For the last few years we’ve sent out 50-60 cards. At first I hand wrote a letter to each recipient. Then I had kids. After that, I had my husband (who’s actually the better writer) write an annual newsletter for us.
I’d take a picture of my kids dressed up in their Christmas outfits, sitting in front of the Christmas tree. I’d sign the cards, insert the picture and the letter, address them, stamp them, and mail them off. It would cost me more than $20 on postage alone. But still, I’d send out the letters every year.
This year is different. For one, we haven’t been getting nearly enough sleep at our house. My husband and I are walking zombies during the day, due to my husband’s crazy schedule. I don’t know that I could put two coherent words together for a Christmas letter, not to mention addressing each card to the right person.
Second, what would we write in a Christmas letter? I hate to be a downer at Christmastime, but this year has been a rough one. We’re up in the air with Jim’s career direction. It’s not that things are going badly….we just don’t know where he’s going to end up. Other than the soap opera we call Jim’s career this year, the rest of our lives have been pretty uneventful. Besides, our parents update the relatives on us anyway.
Third, sending cards just gets to be expensive. You have to buy the cards, print the pictures, buy the stamps, buy the paper for the letters. Stamps have gone up, so it’s going to be even more expensive to mail Christmas cards this year.
Finally, it’s just a bad time of year for both the giver and the receiver. For me, it’s stressful to try to plan our family’s Christmas schedule and work in time to address cards, take pictures, and write a letter. And people receiving my letter are receiving so many cards, it’s unlikely they’d pay special attention to my card.
I’m not a total scrooge though. I’ve decided to do Easter letters this year. Hopefully by then we’ll have a better idea of where Jim’s career is going. It’s a much less busy time of year, so I can take the time to enjoy signing each letter, and maybe even add a personal note. And hopefully our finances will be in better shape in March than they are right now. And the recipients of our Easter cards will hopefully appreciate getting a letter from us at an unconventional time of year.
Do you send Christmas cards? A lot or a few? Do you enjoy it?
Photo by Desi.Italy.
{ 34 comments }
Yes, I send Christmas cards. It started last year when it was the first Christmas in our first house, and it was our cat’s first Christmas- so we took our picture in front of the fireplace and now we’ve done it for 2 years. I send about 2 dozen cards. I normally buy the cards after Christmas and use them the next year and I also just take a picture and insert it into the card. We don’t buy the fancy prints that cost twice as much, just to have a greeting on them. My husband sets up the tripod and then edits the picture on the computer to put the greeting on the 4 X 6 print. When we have kids, we’ll probably do the letter, but right now we don’t have very much to say.
- Thanks!
Yes, I send cards every year, like you, I used to send a card with an individual message in it to each person on our list(usually 60-75), but after the kids it turned into a Christmas Letter.
I actually enjoy sending the cards out, even though postage can be pricey, even when things aren’t going real well, I write about whatever in our lives are going well(the kids, the house, etc.) I like to keep those loved ones who are far away in the know about our family and they usually do the same for us, by sending cards and letters of their own. It makes me feel connected to those that I cannot always be near during Christmas, like cousins and old friends. I am a sucker for my family and friends and miss those that I cannot visit often, so the letter serves as a bridge to them each year!
Besides, if I stopped sending my letters, they might stop sending me theirs, and i love to read about all the new things everyone is doing, getting pictures of new babies and kids growing up so fast!
The Easter letter is a great idea, and will be such a treat to those who receive it!
Take Care,
LJ
For the second year in a row, I’ve bought Christmas cards and postage, only to not send the cards. Next year, no cards. If I do decide to contact friends and family, I’ll do it by email.
There are a few family friends that I still send Christmas cards to, though not nearly the number I used to. Instead of a Christmas letter and picture I put together a slideshow using Picasa on a cd for those who will appreciate it–the rest just get a card. I get my cards for less than a dollar from the thrift shop–they bundle sets of unused Christmas cards in plastic bags for 50 cents a bag of 20 cards. The cds I get on sale throughout the year and only make about 20 for close friends and family. For close family members who stop by the house–they get their card handed to them. :)
have to admit I’m lazy, we’ve never gotten into cards. Actually we haven’t been much into Christmas the last few years. When we lived in Canada with family and friends it was no problem to have a huge do every year, but since we’ve moved overseas we’ve gotten out of the habit (no kids)and flying home for the holidays is just too stressful. We did the first year Also I love Christmas lights and decorations but ours always looked so limp that after a few years we gave up. Usually what we do it drive around an look at the lights and see how the houses are decorated etc. This year will a bit more exciting as were part of a church again so we have loads of friends to visit but for Christmas and boxing day it will be quiet.
I do send cards, and I send a lot. I use photo cards that can be printed up in an hour so I don’t have to plan too far ahead. They are as cheap as regular cards, and they are more personal. I do send letters too because it is something I really enjoy-I try to do something different or creative each year with the letter. I like getting Christmas letters too because its often the only time I hear from old college roommates and some of my cousins.
On years I was either way on the ball or way behind, I’ve sent my letters out in October or in January. I don’t think when is the key, but its nice to get actual news from people, rather than just email forwards.
Not yet. We’re still working on wedding thank-yous.
Back in the day, my mom would write each Christmas card by hand–often at Nutcracker rehearsals and soccer practices. It was amazing! She’d tell each person the relevant parts of our life (relevant might depend on the recipient). The people we saw all the time just got nice signed cards because she said they knew it all anyway. ;)
Now she’s not as well and she doesn’t have ballet or soccer to make her sit around for long periods doing nothing. So she does a Christmas letter. It’s cute, I get to edit it…which is good because she had planned to tell everyone about my blog! :O
LOL I just found out my mom told everyone about my blog in her Christmas letter. Yikes!
I still do Christmas cards and also love to get them. Sometimes I write a note in ones to friends or family we haven’t seen in a while. I’ve thought about doing a short letter but just haven’t gotten around to it yet.
I totally understand not sending cards due to the expense and also if you’re just having a hard time. Maybe next year will be better for yall. You’re in our prayers!
Merry Christmas!
Nope! Okay, just one to my grandmother because my mother made me promise. Otherwise.. email or phone calls or nothing. I can claim that it’s a greener alternative, but really I’m just lazy. :)
I love Christmas cards. Mail gets rather dull – only bills, the rare letter and birthday card…But at Christmas…I love looking for the mail.
The cards are usually made by me with some artistic imput some years from my daughter. The last few years I’ve been playing with the word “joy” The letter updates everyone on what is going on in our lives, and is another way of reminding them that their presence enriches our lives even if they aren’t near by.
Build up a stash of stamps during the year and go from there.
This Christmas, because I’m so far behind with everything…I’m sending my cards for New Years!! The benefit is that, I can send a calendar that people will keep all year….they can put it up in the bathroom or on the fridge…it’s helpful and an easy gift to send. Also, I can send New Year’s wishes and I’ll probably be the only mail received….
I have over a hundred cards to send….I have an automated system, I even have my lists in groups….I’ve just been busy with customers and other networking and social events. I’ll send them next week!!
Enjoy your holidays!!
In the past I’ve just done a simple card to close friends and family. This year, I did the photo cards ($.18 each) with a picture from my wedding and sent it to every single friend or family member who’s address I could get ahold of. This is because I have a large extended family and had a very small wedding. I thought that since they weren’t invited to the wedding, I owed them a picture :) Not sure if I’ll continue that next year, though….
I really like your Easter letter idea. I also have an aunt who is on a tight budget and she sent her Christmas letter via email. I thought that was very smart of her!
Yes indeed I send “real” Christmas cards. No, I don’t write a “Christmas Letter”. I have always found the letter part to be boorish and boastful. I simply sign mine, with love.
My feeling is, it shows respect, thoughtfulness and caring.
When my Mother passed away last year, I found Christmas cards that she had saved for years and years. These were from her friends of long standing, close family members and new friends. I can remember every Christmas lots and lots of cards that would be read by all guests and family. I continue the tradition of saving the cards on a wreath and in a Christmas basket. They are so nice to look at over and over and keep in a special place. E-cards are just NOT the same. Merry Christmas, and I hope you have a blessed day.
I sent out approximately 70 photo cards (with the kids on them), as well as a Christmas letter.
I send out about 50 Christmas cards. I feel that a card is my gift to my friends and family, and because of that, I don’t mind paying postage once a year. Whenever possible, I send those personal cards through the mail, because I know how much it can lift people’s spirits to get something special in the mail. I usually send a photo card, which seems more like a gift, and I know that most of my family members keep them in an album and really enjoy getting them.
However, I’m not a huge fan of the “christmas letter.”
Buying postage stamps throughout the year is a great idea. I never thought of that before.
And it’s funny to hear different opinions on the “Christmas Letter.” It seems people love them or hate them.
This year, we got a phone call from some distant relatives. They decided to do that instead of sending Christmas cards. Depending on your phone plan, your monthly bill might include all the long distance calls you care to make. (In other words: no additional money spent.)
I love christmas cards. It makes me feel connected to people I don’t have contact with on a regular basis. I send photo cards and a letter. (bought the paper after christmas and got 100 sheets for a $1) I guess I love receiving them and seeing how peoples lives and families change also. Lynnae you’ll get yours at Christmas eve service. Along with a frugal family gift basket!! (It’ll save me one stamp :) !!) Oh I also need the photo cards to decorate my refrigerator! Merry Christmas!
We send one of the photo cards. About 50 of them. Nothing handwritten. That’s great that your mom wrote about your blog in her letter, she must be proud!
Well, Angela, you will be receiving an Easter letter from me (probably in person, to save the stamp), along with a picture of the kids to decorate your refrigerator. :)
I do about 40-50 Christmas cards, complete with some sort of what we’ve been doing this year and a picture of my kids. This year it really hit me how much that all costs (postage mainly) but I realized that I love getting cards in the mail, so if I can bring that joy to some of the people that I send cards to, the cost is very much worth it.
I buy my cards after the christmas silly season ($AU) I pay around 50c to a $1.00 for card that cost anywhere between 4.95 and 12.99. I also buy my wrapping paper this way too.
I have a few select people that I send a card to without fail each and evry year, I generally then send a card to people who send us one first.
The only person that gets an annual lettre of me is my aunty June, and that is normally written on the card as well.
I find sending photo’s in ALL my cards is a bit much it is a lovely Idea but just a card and a quick note is sometimes better then nothing at all.
Have a great christmas looking forward to your blog in the new year!
I love sending them!!!!!!!!1 I have over 100 people on my list!!! hehee!!
I have to reply to this…my card list has grown over the last 10 years after my divorce and, now, Christmas cards have become the heart of my holiday. I really don’t have “gifts” at the holiday, and so I have recrafted Christmas. I send out 50-60 personal cards with letters PLUS business cards. Then, I do NOT open holiday cards when they come to me, but, instead, hold them until Christmas morning. Then, I sit down with a cup of coffee and some cookies and open my cards – traveling all over the country reading greetings and letters and seeing pictures of friends and relatives. It makes Christmas morning SO much fun! I spend it with long time and new friends all over the country! In the end, I feel rich beyond measure and I am grateful for the $.41 that my friends spent to make my holidays so special.
I usually send a photo card to about 20 friends and family. I used to also swap cards with online friends of a message board. This year, seems I didn’t get on the stick and I didn’t send any cards. And you know what, it seems like unless I sent a card to someone, they weren’t sending me one anyway. My cards this year have been light, much to my disappointment.
Oh well, I love getting them, but sending them is something I like to do. Time just got away from me this year.
@Sue – Thank you for sharing. After reading all of the comments, but especially yours, I am reconsidering. I’m obviously too late to get my cards out this year (though I will do the Easter letters), but I may get back on the card bandwagon next year.
@Paula – I haven’t received nearly as many cards this year either. But my husband says that his coworkers are all saying their Christmas card counts are down too. I think it’s an off year. People are more conscious of spending money.
I haven’t sent cards in years — mostly because I received so few in return, and considering I made all mine and considered them a gift in their own right (as original artwork), it felt like it wasn’t being fully appreciated or acknowledged.
As to letters, I say just completely gloss over anything remotely negative, and write instead about only positive things. One person in my family once sent a mass-produced Christmas letter that detailed other family member’s medical woes, and it was really odd (and to me, inappropriate).
I like the idea of an Easter (or Valentine) letter. A friend of mine did that one year, after he’d neglected to get holiday cards out on time, and it was a nice thing to receive because it was totally unexpected.
I send out cards, but only to a select 20 or so. My family lives all over the country and I hae friends all over as well. Usually I make something into a card, like a picture or dried leaves… I love the hunt for the new creative endeavor that I’ll take to make the Christmas cards this year :) It IS expensive, but for most of my family it’s what I give them instead of a present, so it’s not too bad. It always me to be creative during Christmas, rather than just going crazy decorating the presents ;)
I usually send them out, and adore receiving them. One year, however, we didn’t get them out because we were in the middle of getting our house on the market to sell. That year, once the move was complete, we sent a “Christmas in July” card. I thought that it was fun, and I got more response from that card than I have from any other. I think it was because it was unexpected and not with twelve other Christmas cards.
I think that sending yours out in the middle of the year, when things are more settled, when hopefully money isn’t so tight, and you can send out a great unexpected surprise in the mailbox is a wonderful idea.
I don’t mail Christmas cards for many of the reasons that you’ve already mentioned. I have to choose my Christmas battles wisely.
Yes, I send cards. I skipped it for a few years and then went back to it. I buy cards on sale after the holidays and save them in my wrapping box. I get them out after Thanksgiving and try to write 5 a day in the morning after doing the breakfast dishes. It seems like magic. They get done without me thinking about it. I buy Christmas stamps and mail them. Every year we get a few more back. If I don’t get them all done on time I send them a little late. I enjoy the ritual.
I don’t do a Christmas letter, just a signature and a few personal lines in some of them.
I send out Christmas cards a picture that I print and a letter I do on the computer. We’ve been married for 50 years and for next year I’m planning on giving a compilation of these letters to my family. A friend told me she enjoyed them so much that I should save them as it was a family history. Hope things are going well with your husband’s job.
@Lillian – What a fabulous idea! I’m going to remember that one! Thanks for sharing!
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