I really love Christmas time, all the usual stuff like great food to enjoy, people to meet in the holidays, but Christmas cards are one thing that I find confusing and I just can`t make up my mind about?

Do you send one in the post? or just send an electronic one to those who can receive? I am so unsure.

I never used to send Christmas cards until I had a baby. Now, I think it's worth it to keep in touch with family and friends (who are also having families of their own)-somehow it seems more important. Also, it's just once a year and it shows how much you care!

I still make the effort to write and send cards once a year. Its always nice to get something in the post in this electronic age where letters have been replaced by emails, cards by e-cards. Lots of friends have switched to mass sending e-cards, which is their choice and I dont think any less of our friendship. But I miss those days when your mail box is full of Christmas greeting cards leading up to Christmas day, and a smile involuntarily appears on your pre- morning coffee face whenever you check the post in the mornings. Am old fashioned that way.

Just of the subject here a little is it possible to have some christmas decorations on the Forum webpages? it would really bring the whole thing into the Christmas mood

I used to send a huge number, which I could only deal with by processing them in a production line fashion (printed labels, etc). These days, I've reduced them greatly in number and hand-write them. Because there are fewer now, I have more time to write a longer personal message if I feel like it.

I went out yesterday and purchased some red cardboard, some green cardboard, some glitter and some coloured pencils.

I am making them as we speak.

Talk about art & craft corner .

If you're sending them o/s Natasha you may need to hurry if you want them to arrive before Christmas.

The post office gave me a leaflet with the following deadlines for guaranteed pre-xmas delivery:

Within Switzerland
21/12/09 (23/12/09 - A post)

Within Europe
Economy 8/12
Priority 15/12
Urgent 22/12

All other countries
Economy 1/12
Priority 8/12
Urgent 21/12

I always try to send cards, specially to the older relatives. It is one chance a year to update them on what we're up to all the way over here.

Send electronic, much quicker, and more environmentally friendly, cheaper too.
And you can tailor them to the recipient so it's not too impersonal.
This year I've already sent a photo I took of fir trees on the climb to Rigi Klum, in October.( Nothing like snow covered trees to make one think of Xmas!)

www.care2cards.com
www.123greetings.com

Thanks Mel. Don't think it matters too much if the ones to Oz are late, as I will call most of them anyway.

Well, depends of my mood.
Probably just an email this year, I'm even not sure about it.

Last year, I've made my cards myself.

If someone sends me a card it means very little if it just says dear XXX love YYY and has obviously been done as part of a mass production line mailing. Really, what's the point?

If someone sends me an email that's fine.

But if someone has given my email address to some website I haven't chosen than I'm more miffed than delighted.

So much of Christmas is just following the expectations. (But I have to admit I am also guilty...)

I was wanting to post this poll too....was wondering what folks are up to these days with cards.

It's a tradition in some places to send the X-mas postcards via mail. Some elderly people take it seriously to such extent that they would not accept anything less than the card inside the envelope instead of loose vacation card. The trick is to treat your family friends with dignity and some colleagues will be happy just to get corporate seasonal greetings in email or on Facebook. Well I'm traditionalist but with emerging technology the electronic cards make sometimes life easier

That just about sums up my way of sending Christmas Greetings. I guess that over the years as our older relatives pass away, Christmas cards may go the same way.

I really find it pathetic giving Xmas cards to colleages at work and friends that you see everyday.
Good excuse now is being kind to environment.