It’s the 7th day of December. Christmas is two weeks away and I’ve received three Christmas cards. My first one arrived the day before Thanksgiving.

Nicole's first Christmas card of the season from her brother and sister-in-law

Are you sending cards this year? In years past, I’ve mailed out Christmas and Hanukkah cards by the first week of December. This year, I’m on the fence. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll drop something in the mail to my elderly loved ones and my brother overseas, but in this social networking age- is it really necessary? Postage rates continue to soar and email is cheaper than paper mail, and could save the environment- just not always as personal.  Even the WAVY/Fox 43 team has an e-card this year.  I posted the question on my Facebook page. Here are some of the responses:

Peggy said,  “I love sending out Christmas cards to family and friends. Sometimes it takes just as much time to give a card as it does to buy a gift. I want the card to be just as special as the person recieving the card. Sometimes it’s fun just to send a silly card to someone needs a little picker up at the holiday.”

Judi is on the ball. She wrote “I mailed all 83 of mine last week from Texas while visiting there! I had the granddaughters help me with the labels! Expensive, yes!! But so worth it! Makes my friends and family happy!

Valerie S. posted,  “This is my son’s first Christmas, so, yes, I am sending cards and will include a picture of him.

Wanda said, “I enjoy sending them and receiving them”.

Valerie C. posted “I quit sending them to all but a few elderly relatives. Aside from the cost of cards & postage, sending cards is not very environmentally friendly.”

Shirley said “Yes, I am sending our Christmas cards. I’ll put on some Christmas music, grab a glass of wine and have a wonderful time. “

I understand people with kids want to send the picture cards so we can see how they’ve grown. Even adults are getting into picture cards with announcements about weddings, advanced degrees, new cars and other personal news.  I do like to receive those- especially with cute kids!

Nicole's niece, nephew & sister in law with Santa (a few years ago)

As for saving money and recycling, I have saved Christmas cards over the years and used them as decorations and as labels for packages. Like ornaments, they remind you of the person who gave them to you as time goes on. I usually buy cards at the end of the holiday season when they’re at least half off so that cuts down on the cost, but I have yet to find the box that I packed them in. I do think if I decide to send them, I’m going to shorten the list- remove the folks I  never hear back from either via mail, email, social network or phone.  It is amazing how thoughtful a phone call or a note in the mail seems nowadays when everyone is just texting and emailing. What do you think? Leave your comments below or on my Facebook page.

Happy Holidays!!