Why I Don’t Send Christmas Cards Anymore

Ric,great blog post, I did the same thing last year and ONLY donated money to charity but no cards , However this year decided to send some paper cards to certain people because I felt that it was personal and I wanted to do it because I may not see those people over Christmas. I most certainly did not just send to anyone and everyone. I too have (and always will, christmas cards or not) donate money to charity, which is Make a Wish foundation. Have a great Christmas Buddy.. Speak to yousoon

Chris - that seems lot a good way to do things. I understand the reason for sending Christmas Cards, to keep in touch with people you may not otherwise get in touch with, but can't see how it's relevant in today's connected society any more when they are much better ways to keep in touch! Have a great Christmas yourself, hope you and Lynne have a relaxing time!

I've just read both yours and Tim's (Long) post and understand your points of view. However, I'm going to go with Chris on this and say that I felt compelled to send cards to those people that genuinely personally mattered to me. For me, Christmas is about giving and relating to your friends and family around you. Whilst not everyone may have a religious association with Christmas, I give a card as a small token of my appreciation for the recipient regardless of their views.For me, I think it's important to sometimes cut away from the technology and communicate something that took longer than I can touch type it. :) I want people to know that I didn't just stick them on a mailing list and that they matter to me.Technology is everywhere these days but people underpin everything we do; so whilst today's society can be so well connected, there is no harm in stepping away and do something different to remind people that they matter personally as well as professionally.I sent cards to all three of you with my best wishes after my time away because each of you have helped me over the last year (and beyond). Whilst I am busy working I ensured I stopped to take out time to remember those who are important to me. Little did I know I would be catching up with you and Chris this month but the sentiments of the card still stand! I never send them to expect one in return, I send them to let people know that they matter. The acknowledgement itself steps away from day-to-day communication and contact and makes for me a point that goes above and beyond a Tweet, email, or Instant Message.If people don't recycle their cards or purchase charity cards (I did, but not for all sent) then that is potentially a separate issue. I also ensured that I donated to charity this year, but that for me is part of my time for reflection at how fortunate I am.I wholeheartedly believe that a 'piece of card' is not relevant but a card that sends genuine sentiment is. I agree with Tim on his post that giving cards to the person you sit next to everyday isn't necessarily the point but the cards I sent out across the world remind me on how lucky I am to have such good friends and that I want to remember them at this important time of the year.So I'll see you this evening and buy you a pint instead?! :)

Hi, Great post. This year I am going to do the same and donate to Cancer Research UK instead. I've been touched by cancer in so many ways this year it just seems the sensible thing to do. There will be exceptions of course, so I'll send a few, but for the majority I'll make a donation instead and explain to family and friends. Cheers Chris

Chris - a great cause! I've had good feedback from friends and family on my own donations to The Woodlands Trust each year, so we're certainly not alone in this view!

Bah humbug. I have removed you from my Christmas Card list. (And added you to my Christmas Email Card list instead) ;-)

My fireplace is going to look so empty this year without your card David! ;-)

There's nothing like receiving a proper flesh-and-blood card from a flesh relative, nothing like hearing the plop of the cards on the mat and then reading the envelopes trying to guess who the sender is and then reading the brief message inside the card before putting it on the sideboard or wherever, and then enjoying the knowledge that somebody cares, or is pretending to care, which is good enough. I think the real issue with Christmas is the excesses we go info, so I really agree with pushing some help for charities. But don't forget charity towards friends. I use a xmas card organisation that ensures charities get a decent bang for their buck - 100% if you visit one of there shops in the north west or pretty close to that if you go online. Can I say who? It's at christmas-cards.org.uk. Delete this link if it's against your rules.

Patrick - thanks for sharing!

Dear Richard We not only support 'Give A Dog A Home' (Aberdeenshire) from where we adopted two beautiful Greyhounds, but also the Guide Dogs Association have two guide dogs that we sponsor. This year we purchased a whole bunch of their products on their 'Dogalogue' website. They both do a wonderful job and will be giving out our many cards to encourage people to think of these beautiful creatures who help make a better and more confident life for those less fortunate.

Valentyna - what a great Charity to support! That's a great way to send Christmas Cards! :-)