I send out holiday cards every year. It takes quite a bit of time and money but for me it is worth it. But everyone is different.
I feel it is important to know why you do or do not send the cards. Let’s look at some of the Pros and Cons of sending cards.
Cons:
· It takes a lot of time even if all you do is sign the card and address the envelope. If you include individual notes, it will be even more. Then there is the time of getting the cards and stamps.
· It’s expensive. The cards cost money. The postage costs money.
· You feel a stress and sense of obligation to send the cards but get no joy from doing it.
· You worry about your carbon footprint.
Pros:
· You like to receive cards, so you send them to others.
· It is the one time a year that you reach out and make contact with some old friends who are not on social media.
· It’s a way to show you care. People know it took an effort to send them a card and write a few words. A handwritten message is personal in this digital age.
· It your card has a personal photograph the recipient might want to keep it as a memory.
· It’s a piece of mail that will bring a smile.
· The cards can be used as a holiday decorative display.
I am not sure, but I think age also has something to do with how you feel about mailing cards. Younger people don’t seem to care as much and if they do anything it is likely to be electronic.
But older people cherish getting the cards. It shows someone is thinking about them. It is something tangible that they can hold in their hands and put on a shelf or table to remember.
I have one shut-in that I visit, and I have seen old cards that she has received tucked into books or on the floor by her chair. She is now having memory problems and may not even be sure who the cards are from but still she fondles them and smiles.
If you are undecided about sending out cards this year don’t think of it as an all or nothing exercise. Perhaps instead of sending out to everyone on your list, send out a few to people who you think will enjoy them the most.
I know that many years when I send out my cards, I will get one back that was unable to be delivered. Sometimes I may get a note back from a son or niece saying that the recipient of my card has died or moved to an assistant living facility. This helps keep me updated.
Meanwhile, this year my first card has arrived. This person is almost always the first person to send me a card. She always includes a handwritten note. I taught school with her many years ago and enjoy keeping in touch. She is one that I can answer her note when I send her my card.
So, I will in the coming days spend some time in the evenings sipping a hot beverage and listening to some holiday music and preparing my cards for the mail. I will think of each person as I address their card. For those who I don’t have a lot of contact during the year, I will enclose a note. I will enjoy the process and the connection.
Happy Holidays!
Jonda S. Beattie, Professional Organizer owner of Time Space Organization, and co-owner of Release, Repurpose, Reorganize. She is based in the Metro-Atlanta area. As presenter, award-winning author, as well as a retired special education teacher she uses her listening skills, problem solving skills, knowledge of different learning techniques, ADHD specialty, and paper management skills to help clients tackle the toughest organizational issues. Jonda does hands on organizing and virtual organizing. For more of Jonda’s tips connect with her on Facebook.
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