I used to make Christmas cards every year. Depending on the complexity of my design it could take weeks for me to complete. I know people enjoyed them because they saved them. You can’t throw out a handmade card!
I believe there is a direct correlation between the number of cards you send and the number you receive. And I can say for certainty that if they are handmade your receive level is often greater.
But that was years ago and several moves ago. I don’t plan on sending any Christmas cards this year except to a few family members and very close friends- and you know who you are. I’m too busy and not feeling it anymore.
To date I’ve received two Christmas cards. Now I know it’s still early but I don’t expect to receive too many more.
PERSONAL SIDEBAR/SHOUT OUT: Dan, I sincerely hope I get the annual photo Christmas card from you though. I treasure those.
I wonder what the average age of a Christmas card buyer/mailer is?? Probably older than the average age of a credit union member (48).
I cannot imagine my 27 year-old niece picking up a box of cards at the store and taking the time to address them (which also means collecting mailing addresses) buying postage stamps and finding a post office to put them in the system.
So anywho……it begs the question: “Are Christmas Cards Dying?” Has Social Media negated the need for an annual touch base?
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December 12, 2012 at 11:49 am
James Robert Lay
I think… and let me know if you get one… you should be receiving a customized PTP xmas card. We always have had fun with them and extend the humanity our company tries to bring to the world. As social as we are… it’s still good to reach out and touch someone in an old school way to say we care about you.
December 12, 2012 at 11:57 am
Denise Wymore
James Robert – I ALWAYS enjoy receiving PTPs Christmas Card and that’s because you make it. But those boxes of pre-fab shmaltzy Christmas cards – you would never send me one of those. Right?
The ones that make me sad – corporations that have their name preprinted on the card. Why bother?
December 12, 2012 at 3:24 pm
Anthony Demangone
They certainly aren’t dead in my circle. We send roughly 150 cards, and we get somewhere in that ballpark. My wife and I tape the cards we receive to the entryway of our kitchen. That way, we get to enjoy our circle of friends year-round. I don’t know the average age of a person who sends cards, but I’ve sent them ever since I was on my own.
December 12, 2012 at 5:10 pm
Denise Wymore
Anthony – that is a great visual – circle of friends in the entry to your kitchen. But do you think that the next generation can do that through social media? What if Facebook had a Christmas Card page? Instead of hitting the LIKE button they could hit a SEND CARD button?
December 13, 2012 at 9:54 am
Chelsie Zima
I am 24 years old, and am honestly sending my own cards for the first time this year. Up to this point, I’ve relied on my mom’s Christmas card sending because I was in my “move every six months” stage of life. Now that I have settled down, I am super excited to say I sent out 100 Christmas cards with a picture of myself, fiance, and our dog. I have to admit, we have all of the Christmas photo cards still on our fridge from last year. It’s a great way to keep our close friends and family close to us! I don’t think they’ll die…at least I hope not!
December 13, 2012 at 11:46 am
Denise Wymore
Chelsie – I should’ve made one exception. Photo Christmas cards. Love them! Especially if your dog is in there. Thanks for commenting.
December 14, 2012 at 6:06 am
Glenn Coble
This year our credit union CEO decided to cancel Christmas cards… to date I have received 1. Last year probably 30 by now. I don’t really care much but it is an interesting correlation. My father was a minister and we got hundreds. I’m sure that was from people who thought Dad could get them into heaven.
December 14, 2012 at 7:29 am
Denise Wymore
Your CEO cancelled Christmas? Oh wait – Christmas cards….wwhew.
You know the other deterrent to sending these out – cost! I did buy a really funny card for my mother-in-law and it was almost 4 bucks. Plus postage and gas to the post office. Really adds up.
Merry Christmas Glenn
December 17, 2012 at 7:24 am
Glenn Coble
I always bought UNICEF cards… yeah, I know many people think it’s a socialist plot but it helps kids and the cards are inexpensive.
December 17, 2012 at 12:16 pm
Diane Schultz
I do think that Social Media will add to the demise of the Christmas Card. Most teens and 20-somethings access their facebook account via smartphone, and I doubt that even a ‘Send Card’ button on facebook would prompt them to reach out with a personalized ‘E-Card’. My 20-year-old son figures anyone who is card-worthy already knows what he’s up, so what’s the point? The best I can hope for is seeing his status update saying “Merry Christmas everybody” on December 25th.
December 19, 2012 at 4:42 pm
Erin Mulkins
I prefer the Happy Spring card! That way I don’t have to deal with them during a very busy time and it is a little surprise. I used to watch my mother write personalized paragraphs on over 200 cards a year and decided life is too short for that! I don’t even send the mass “Merry Christmas” text on the 25th!