Are you doing Christmas Cards this year?

[Jude The Obscure]

for the most part, I'm not. I have had two so far sent to me, and I will reply back with a card. But as far as going out and sending a bunch like I used to do in years past, those days are over. I used send out like 50-75 cards (and was lucky if I got back 25 at the most). Some I sent out was to elderly folks of whom I had no expectations of being reciprocated--I wanted them to feel remembered during this very hectic, but often very lonely time of year. Postage being what it is, makes it a more unpractical expense for me. I have cards--plenty of them, thanks to charities who send me WADS of them around August and September. But I just don't have the time and money like I used to and I'm sad on that part. It was fun to send out, even when I knew not to expect a huge return. I often felt like Charlie Brown at the mailbox--"hello, in there?? (echoes)", but that wasn't the point. I loved doing, esp to those who were not going to be remembered by many, if at all.

So how about you?

[dakert]

I send the Christmas Cards. It makes me think about each and every person whether they send a card back or not.

[coffield3]

I love sending out cards and recieving them, its all part of the Christmas joy!!

[Janice]

I'll send them out, but like you Jude, I used to send about 75 out, and I've cut way back. It's not the money so much, but writing the cards out, and everything else it entails. I used to make an absolute production out of it. I'd buy beautiful boxed cards from the Hallmark Store. I'd also buy at least 20 special cards, "To Daughter and Her Family", "For a Special Niece, Nephew, Friend, Brother, Aunt, Doctor, even postal worker", on an on.

I'd have Christmas return address labels, as well as Christmas stamps, and holiday stickers and seals. Now, not so much. I also had them sent out the first week in December. This year, I'll probably send 25 cards. It's just getting out to the store. My heart is just not into the holiday at all.

[Fleet]

Yes, I am.

[MonarC]

Yes I send a few.

[Waterston_Fan]

Yes.

Only a small few.

[catlover79]

Yes, but I haven't bought them yet.

[Jude The Obscure]

Well nice to hear others' viewpoints.....I'm sorta like Janice--just not into the holiday much (esp since my older brother is no longer here). And knowing how some people in my family tend to not give much thought to my mom, stepdad and me during the holidays, esp when it comes to gifts. My own younger brother did not give me one thing for my recent birthday--I guess I sound like a little kid bitter about things. The hurt just lingers. Oh well time to buck up and make someone else's holiday merry--give of myself to make others happy will always be the best present!

[gidgetgrape]

Originally Posted by Janice

I'll send them out, but like you Jude, I used to send about 75 out, and I've cut way back. It's not the money so much, but writing the cards out, and everything else it entails. I used to make an absolute production out of it. I'd buy beautiful boxed cards from the Hallmark Store. I'd also buy at least 20 special cards, "To Daughter and Her Family", "For a Special Niece, Nephew, Friend, Brother, Aunt, Doctor, even postal worker", on an on.

Oh gosh, me too! I even sent my cards to the North Pole once to get a special postmark.

This year, I'm only sending to a handful of people without the great fuss. People who loss someone recently and are probably feeling lonely, my parents and best friends.

I like to get cards back, but even more so I would like to have the thought behind them appreciated. I've had my feelings hurt more than once sending cards (of all kinds) and little gifts (they were too little I guess).

On another message board, I read a post by a lady who was complaining about receiving Christmas letters and pictures of people's pets and kids. I don't have children, but I would be crushed if I sent someone a picture of my child and they said something like that.

[TripperFan]

Only to my very closest friends and family. I used to send out about 200 each year and now I think I'm done to 15 or so.

Sure helps keep postal costs down!

[LuLu Rogers]

I sent mine out a few days ago, I think I ended up doing about 20. I still have to take 2 of them to the post office tomorrow because they're going to places outside the U.S.

[treky]

I'm doing some, but not as many this year as in years past.

[Family Ties Forever!]

Yes. I mailed my Christmas cards this weekend.

[Janice]

I went out and bought cards earlier. I didn't do special cards this year. I can't handle standing at that card rack, listening to those Christmas songs, for both physical and emotional reasons. I hit and run in stores this time of year, and usually avoid them completely, if I can.