General discussion and observations about life in these United States. Topics include politics, economics, and general commentary.
Published on December 12, 2007 By jdkeepsmiling In Home & Family
Christmas cards should not be this hard. Not only do you have to go out and purchase the cards, you also have to come up with a list of people to send them to and take time to fill them out. Then there is the postage and the mailing. Quite a process just to spread some holiday cheer.

Unfortunately for JD, the process of figuring out who to send cards to is a bit byzantine. JD and Wife sit down and go through the address book, then there are deletions, additions, maybes. The whole process kind of reminds me of when we were figuring out who to invite to our wedding. I imagine it is much the same as the way the Congress hashes out a budget. I am lobbying for a distant uncle and for someone we have not seen in 2.5 years, but who gave us the couch in out living room; and my wife is capitulating but making me promise to cut down the cards by at least 5 next year. Definitely some back-room dealings going on. Strange, but absolutely true.

The sad thing is that I imagine that we are completely normal in this regard. I think most people struggle with Christmas cards like we do. I wonder if there is a better way to do this? Maybe we can all exchange holiday E-cards....seems very 21st Century. Or maybe I could just post a card on Facebook and call it a day. Alas, there is still something special, at least to me, about putting that giant pile of cards in the mail , knowing they are going to people we care about from San Francisco to Boston. So I for one plan on to keep sending out piles of cards to people, I guess I am just like that.

Comments
on Dec 12, 2007
I have soooo many Christmas cards to send out this year. I don't even have my list complete yet. And the kids need haircuts then I have to do the pics to send in the cards. I have really got to get on it.

My husband tried to tell me we shouldn't send cards to anyone we haven't talked to in the past year...I'm like, umm, those are the people who need cards most!

on Dec 13, 2007
Well then I must be a Scrooge Extraordinaire. I say, "If it stresses me out, then I refuse to feel guilty for not doing it!"

The last time I sent cards was 2005 (which means it wasn't THAT long ago so I'll probably do it again within the next few years). Those Christmas cards were handmade, heartfelt, creative, and tailor-made for 15 select recipients. What a headache they were though!!!

But I'll always remember visiting my Grandma the following August, she had that Christmas card prominently displayed on her entertainment center. That's proof enough to me that cards are appreciated. I'll never forget anyone who went the extra mile to give me a card.

I guess to eliminate the stress means that a lot of prior planning is necessary. I'm not usually feeling very Christmas-y in August though.

Well, hats off to all of you who can spread cheer while the pressure's on!
on Dec 13, 2007
we shouldn't send cards to anyone we haven't talked to in the past year...I'm like, umm, those are the people who need cards most!


I agree with you on that one Tex! Especially to my relatives who are really far away in other countries, Christmas cards are how I stay in touch once a year!lol! Sad, but true!

I enjoy sending and receiving Christmas cards. I go through my list, that I've already made too. AT least for that, I'm on top of, I just haven't mailed anything out yet, but plan on sitting down this weekend to sign and put them in their respective envelopes! In fact I got my first JU card, thx Mark ! [if he see's this I've got to email him!] But in general, some people enjoy sending them. I dont' agree with E-card for the season, that's just my personal take on it!