Christmas cards...the lack thereof

dreaming

Primrose wrote: »

The cards I never see the point of, especially if they're from people you never see from one year's end to the next and those which are just signed from "John & Mary".

All it does is convey "We're still alive." People complain about some "round robin" letters going overboard about marvellous experiences or wonderful children (and I agree some of these can be over-egged) but at least people have taken the trouble to let you know what's happening in their lives.

I always smile at a card from an elderly contact who every year jokingly writes "still not dead yet !"

I sort of have the opposite view in that I only really send cards to people who I do not see very much of, or have much contact with. I don't do a round robin letter but often do pop a quick note in tailored to the recipient. Close family and friends get wished happy Christmas in person either face to face or on the phone.

It is interesting how people talk about tradition and "modern" commercialisation, but Christmas cards only really started in the mid 19th century as a means to encourage people to use the newly set up Post Office (then called the Public Records Office). That's the thing with traditions - there is always a first time.
I think people should do what they feel comfortable with though. If you enjoy sending cards then send them, if not then don't

Mr_Singleton

Slinky wrote: »

Hate to be the bearer of bad news but 2nd class are 61p.

No idea never use 2nd Class.

Mr_Singleton

dreaming wrote: »

It is interesting how people talk about tradition and "modern" commercialisation, but Christmas cards only really started in the mid 19th century as a means to encourage people to use the newly set up Post Office (then called the Public Records Office).

Cough..... rubbish! The Post Office was set up in the 1650’s

The huge innovation was that in the 1850’s the cost of postage fell dramatically to a penny ie the penny black and it stopped be a receiver pays the postage to the sender.

I read a book about it but I read so many books can’t tell you which one. Roland Hill’s autobiography maybe.

dreaming

Mr_Singleton wrote: »

Cough..... rubbish! The Post Office was set up in the 1650’s

The huge innovation was that in the 1850’s the cost of postage fell dramatically to a penny ie the penny black and it stopped be a receiver pays the postage to the sender.

I read a book about it but I read so many books can’t tell you which one. Roland Hill’s autobiography maybe.

Oh dear Mr Singleton - you seem to have succumbed to the nasty cough virus going round.
Yes you are right about the postal service being started much earlier. I made the classic mistake of only looking at the first page of one of my reference books on the subject. However the sentiment still stands that all traditions start by one person doing something different.

ThinkingOfLinking

I give them to a few family members, the caretaker at the building I live in, my next door neighbour and that's pretty much it. Postage prices are too high and I don't really have anyone else I want to give a card to. I only end up sending one via mail (to a family member far away) and hand deliver the rest.

Ken_Butterfield

5 years ago my wife and I wrote to everyone on our Christmas card list - about 60 - and informed them that we would no longer be sending cards and we would not expect one from them. If we/they wanted to continue contact there were many other ways of doing so. We have saved 5 years x 60 x stamps/cards/envelopes which invariably end up in the bin.
Result: a clear conscience at Christmas with no loss of contact with those whom we wish to continue our relationship.

Slinky

Mr_Singleton wrote: »

No idea never use 2nd Class.

Well you were one quoting 58p for a 2nd Class stamp.

Mr_Singleton

Slinky wrote: »

Well you were one quoting 58p for a 2nd Class stamp.

Was quoting the figure provided by Eamon above as I wrongly assumed they knew what they were talking about.

Mr_Singleton

dreaming wrote: »

However the sentiment still stands that all traditions start by one person doing something different.

Ok... don't see what bearing it has on this thread though.

Fusspot

I make my own cards so I am in favour of sending them, its one of my hobbies.

I agree that Christmas cards can get a lot as you send them out all at the same time, unlike birthdays and other occasions and the postage in one go can cost which is why I use second class post and try to hand deliver as much as I can.

As much as I love email I don't like e-cards, they are so impersonal.