HTSTHS - Christmas Cards

Christmas/Holiday Cards

   For a lot of people, Christmas cards are a dying thing.  I still send them.  I still have friends and (mostly) relatives that are not hooked to social media and so have little idea what is going on in my life and that of my family.  But for the rest of you, here are some questions to consider:

   Do I send cards this year or not?

   Do I send holiday emails instead?

   Who do I send to?

   Do I include a family letter?

Let me make this point really, really clear.  It doesn't matter is holiday cards don't arrive until the new year!

  Decided to send cards?   Like everything else, break it down to manageable steps.  Set up date deadlines.  The USPS posts lists of when cards and packages should be mailed by for international, etc.  Use those dates as a guideline.  Then think about how long it will take you to accomplish the following items (be honest)?  That will give you some sort of guideline for dates.

   1.  Update holiday card list

   2.  Create family letter (if sending)

   3.  Print the holiday letter (buy the appropriate paper if needed)

   4.  Find addresses

   5.  If you have them, check last years cards for address updates

   6.  Address envelopes

   7.  Look for missing addresses

   8.  Notes inside cards (as needed), sign

   9.  Insert family letter

  10.  Buy stamps

 11.  Create return address labels (if wanted)

 12. Sort for mailing

 13. Mail

   A few notes:

   I keep a spread sheet for my holiday cards.  It lists sent and received cards.  If I haven't gotten a card from someone for 2-3 years, I'm probably dropping them.  Of course, that's when they send me a card with apologies, explanations, etc.  And I'm putting them back on the list.  But the spread sheet works for me.  Before that technology was easily available I made lists and kept them.

   I tend to keep cards for at least a year.  With their envelopes.  It means I can check addresses and make sure I'm not making any major social faux paus.  I might keep old family letters.  The cards I usually donate when I'm done with them to local schools or churches for craft projects (once I've taken out any identifying stuff).

   Missing addresses are the bane of my card experience.  Thank God for email!  Every year I email my brother in AZ asking him what the addresses for his kids are now.

   After I've finished addressing the cards I do a presort.  I finish International cards first, then Out-of-State, then away-in-state, and finally local.  If I get bogged down with other stuff at least the cards that have to travel the farthest can get out first.

   Let's talk about the family letter:  You don't have to send one every year.  Last year too much sickness and sad stuff, so I didn't.  This year, however, I moved, and my daughter is getting married. Letter time!!!  The point is, you don't have to send one.  A quick note written on the card can say a lot.  Think about what you want to write.  I often do a quick written run down of the year before I start writing. I save that information for my end of the year stuff later.  What do I want to tell family and friends about our year?  Remember your audience.  Only tell them about your news.  Aunt Freda does not want to hear about her operation from you.  Be nice.  Don't brag.  Be honest about the bad news, but don't dwell on it.  Try to end the letter on a happier note. Again, remember your audience.

   Do you want to include photos?  I am glad for modern technology that makes that possible.  Next year's card will probably include a photo of all of us at the wedding.  But you don't have to.  Do you want to use the cards as an excuse for a formal family photo shoot?  Go for it.  You may be glad for those photos later.  But pictures of all of you relaxed while on vacation or at home work well too.

   Don't stress about all this.  The holiday season is supposed to be a time of peace, joy, and family.  Do not let the pressure of trying to get it all done ruin your holiday season.  Take the time to smell the Christmas tree and drink the eggnog!

   I'll close with a quick story.  Years ago we were having a traveling Christmas.  Leave Southern CA, drive to Arizona to visit my mom.  Then on the New Mexico to see my father-in-law.  Then, with him, drive down to Lubbock, TX for Christmas with the sister-in-law and her family.  The day after Christmas, reverse and come home.  As we were packing I was still trying to get the Christmas cards done.  Too much other stuff to do before leaving, I put the unfinished cards in a container.  It's amazing how many holiday cards one can finish while sitting in a car.  I've often wondered if people were surprised to see postmarks from Phoenix and Albuquerque.  I was less stressed and the job still got done.