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Post by michelleg on Dec 7, 2020 16:24:33 GMT
I am the American who sends out too many cards. My regular holiday cards include some family photos and a generic letter about how our year has been. It’s a way of catching up with the people who are not on social media. Most years I’ll sign them with a “merry Christmas or “happy new year” but this year I didn’t. I understand how that can feel impersonal but I didn’t have it in me this year. Plus, the photo cards didn’t have a good spot for signing. There are times when I receive cards with nothing personal written and think, “wow, was this just a chore to cross off of your list?” But then I am grateful to be included in their list. On the other side, I have also been teased for the fact that I take the time to hand-address my envelopes. When my kids were young, I used to make my cards, all 150 of them. I enjoyed that. It felt as if was giving each recipient a gift. But some see that as me bragging about the fact that I *can* make cards, that I have the time and resources. I know 150 cards sounds ridiculous. My husband has a large family. I have a large extended family. I moved a lot as a kid and have friends scattered all over the US. I want them to know that I am thinking of them, even if the card isn’t as personal as I’d like. I did write short notes in my cards to pen pals. I'm another American who sends out a boatload of Christmas and holiday cards. Not quite 150, but I don't always send out cards to extended family. I might this year, as we've grown a little closer since my father passed away a couple of years of ago. But my regular friend list cards are over 100 - and yes, I do write a short note inside every one and hand write the addresses. One year I did the year-in-review letter, but this year has been such a crap show that I just didn't have it in me - plus my writing energy is going into my other writerly projects. I agree that receiving the printed, nothing handwritten at all cards are a little...deflating. Did you only think of me when you were inputting my name and address in the print doo dad? I understand if you have a huge list, but we're already all on social media - for me, the Christmas card is a way to personally connect with friends who 1) may not be active on social media or 2) that I haven't had a chance to personally connect with throughout the year for whatever reason. There was one year I didn't send them out for health reasons but I still created a very nice Christmas letter and used font that looked like handwriting and emailed it out to everyone. Since we're on the subject of cards, has anyone else found the selection to be a little...sad this year? I did find some okay ones, and I didn't go to Hallmark since 1) they're super pricey for the sheer number I need to buy and 2) I wanted to limit how many stores I go into since our Covid numbers are spiking again. I really missed being able to go to the National Gallery of Art store to pick up some cards and other things this year.
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Post by ginny on Dec 7, 2020 16:34:25 GMT
Since we're on the subject of cards, has anyone else found the selection to be a little...sad this year? I did find some okay ones, and I didn't go to Hallmark since 1) they're super pricey for the sheer number I need to buy and 2) I wanted to limit how many stores I go into since our Covid numbers are spiking again. I really missed being able to go to the National Gallery of Art store to pick up some cards and other things this year. I buy mine from UNICEF. There's something for everybody in their catalogue
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Post by ginny on Dec 7, 2020 16:38:17 GMT
Nearly every card I have received in my life, or seen displayed on someone's mantelpiece, has had a very short but heartfelt greeting. I don't think of them as being much like letters - in fact I am a little surprised when I find a letter written on a card -- then I have to reclassify the card and respond to it with another letter-card or a letter. I've never judged a card because it was brief -- to me that is what a greeting card is for. In fact, many greeting cards have a sentiment already printed in them, and the sender personalizes with a brief comment. I suppose this is cultural? My initial posting wasn't meant to imply that cards are like letters and should contain a long message. I'm sorry if it came across like that
And I'm certainly not 'judging' a card because it's brief
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Post by alcyone on Dec 7, 2020 17:04:29 GMT
Nearly every card I have received in my life, or seen displayed on someone's mantelpiece, has had a very short but heartfelt greeting. I don't think of them as being much like letters - in fact I am a little surprised when I find a letter written on a card -- then I have to reclassify the card and respond to it with another letter-card or a letter. I've never judged a card because it was brief -- to me that is what a greeting card is for. In fact, many greeting cards have a sentiment already printed in them, and the sender personalizes with a brief comment. I suppose this is cultural? My initial posting wasn't meant to imply that cards are like letters and should contain a long message. I'm sorry if it came across like that
And I'm certainly not 'judging' a card because it's brief
Sorry if I sounded ornery... I'm not.
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Post by mrsduffy on Dec 8, 2020 20:32:45 GMT
I send Christmas cards every other year and don’t feel obligated to include a missive as none is expected. My main thing is sending birthday cards to everyone I have a date and address for and in those I include at least a brief note.
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Post by stompie on Dec 9, 2020 14:57:28 GMT
mrsduffy, glad to see you still around. you found your feet yet?
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Post by mrsduffy on Dec 9, 2020 21:02:51 GMT
mrsduffy , glad to see you still around. you found your feet yet? Yes, they’re safely in mid air! I found something resembling balance but it doesn’t involve an abundance of leisure time. Letters are trickling out. I consoled myself buy buying a new wax seal and a pound of sealing wax. Next thing I know I’ll be in a wax recovery program.
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Post by Rouge on Jan 2, 2021 10:11:14 GMT
I usually send only Happy New Year cards :-) And write in in like an usual letter, adding some paper sheets if needed.
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