Quantity
From the 1980s through 2005 our list ranged from over 75 to under 50 cards each year. All would have a hand written note and signature; some would have a computer generated letter, some would have pictures of the kids or family, some would have both.
The "no more cards" note
Below is the note we enclosed with our last cards.
"Since the kids are up and out and we are so boring, this will be our last Christmas card and letter. Starting 2006 we will be donating the monies spent on cards and postage to Toys for Tots or some other worthy Christmas charity.
We have email addresses for many of you and will send a holiday greeting via cyberspace. However there are several of our friends for whom we don’t have e-addresses and would love to share news with you. I have enclosed our email address and hope that you will take a few minutes to send us yours.
Have a wonderful holiday season and we hope the Lord has blessed you this year as he has us."
The money
An equivalent amount was donated to a local charity that works with children.
E wishes
We did send a Merry Christmas email out to all of the people for whom we had addresses. Many replied, some of them had not previously sent us cards. That was a wonderful surprise.
Traditional wishes
We still received some cards from friends and family; but not as many, which is fine by us. Christmas is so hectic for everyone, especially the mom who is also the one doing the cards in most families. I would much prefer they spend a little down time with the family than worry about send us a card.
Relief
Not the Rolaids kind.
First you have to agree on the cards, that takes a few outings, and find enough of the ones you both like.
Then the Geezer has to write the letter; his job - you know, the one he can do in 20 minutes and make 50 copies in five minutes.
Then you have to make sure the address book is all up to date; hand address the cards (labels if your lazy), and write a personal note in each.
From there it is folding, stuffing, stamping, return addressing (labels for sure).
So, let me see, do I miss it???? Hmmm...not so much.
Fewer received
Over the years we have received fewer and fewer cards each year. It seems as if many of our friends have already made the no card decision or we have been taken off of their list.
What actually is the point of sending a Christmas greeting to someone with whom you have no other contact? In the past it was an inexpensive way to keep in touch. Now with cell phones, email, my space and other cyber connections there are many ways to keep in contact with old friends.
But it's Christmas. Shouldn't we be wishing as many folks as possible good tidings during the time we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior?
Hmmm? Not seeing anything here about "the reason for the season".
Ahh...the hard part
Was this a good idea?? Do we miss sending cards?? Are we (am I) just being selfish and spending money instead of time?? Did we hurt anyone's feelings last year??
I still don't know if it's a good idea.
I don't miss all of the work on the cards but I do feel a bit selfish.
I guess we'll never know if anyone had hurt feelings.
But, by gosh, we are sticking to our guns. No cards this year either.
See, ya make a good list and it will help you make a decision!