Is it just us, or does it seem like the time-honored tradition of sending cardstock Christmas cards has very little to do with actually wishing anyone a Merry Christmas or Happy New Year? Those little December mailbox-fillers seem more like newsletters for the families that send them—informing the recipient of any new (possibly furry) additions to the family or perhaps a change of address.
But since Facebook and Twitter are all the rage (even Grandma was in on it for awhile), it seems like those annual updates aren't really necessary. You can even easily send your heartfelt "Happy New Year" message with a mass text these days.
So we want to know: How many of you are still shipping out paper-and-pen scribbled snail-mail Holiday cards this winter?
As for us, we've never been the type to send cards to our entire address book. But for those far-away friends who we won't get to see in our hometown this Christmas, we're going to be making awesome use of e-cards.
If you're ready to join us and eschew paper cards, figure out your priorities and try one of these options:
If you hate the waste...
Send an e-card. Our research shows that it's 100 percent more cost-effective and "green" to send a free e-card. Scope out the offerings in the "holiday" section of your favorite site.
Our favorites are JibJab, Hipster Cards, Someecards, and the pet-centric Sloppy Kiss Cards. Or, if you're an on-the-go kind of guy or gal, try one of these e-card holiday iPhone apps.
If you hate the work...
OK, so Granny doesn't use e-mail and you still kind of like sending out (and receiving!) real cards. Fine. But you can make the load easier and keep your techie cred by using a service that prints and sends physical cards, all from the comfort of your office desk. Tiny Pics has a service like this, plus tons of gorgeous Christmas card designs to choose from.
(Images: Flickr member SamwiseGamgee69 licensed for use under Creative Commons, Flickr member zephyrbunny licensed for use under Creative Commons)
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I've been using paperlesspost.com the past few years for holiday cards, and it's great.
What I hate more than relatively thoughtless Xmas cards are pre-fab e-cards. It doesn't get any lazier than that. With that in mind, last year our family created an interactive PDF that linked to songs, videos, etc. and gave a run down of our year along with photos and other goodies. We even added our xmas wish list with links to buying sites. Admittedly, it was more out of not wanting to make the effort to create something physical. This year, however, we sent physical cards, which were self-created woodcuts, printed on Black Friday ads, hand signed and numbered. That way our friends and family got something that took a decent amount of work and stands alone as an art piece as well. This will forever beat an e-card. I'd prefer a chunk of coal over an e-card.
As much as I love my mac, my internet, being green and saving time.. there is nothing quite like getting and sending real paper christmas cards to friends and family.
I sent Christmas cards out this year and think that it is a tradition that should not be allowed to die. I absolutely love everything about fine stationery, fun cards, stamps and getting things in the mail. Way better than anything via internet.
I love getting Christmas cards in the mail, so I'll forever send them. Plus, I love designing them!
I love getting Christmas cards cards...good mail is always a welcome sight. I also love sending them. While I love technology and the ability to stay connected through it, Christmas cards are a little different in my mind...special. :-)
Real holiday cards are the best. Either way, I'd absolutely never include a "wish list". That's really crass.