I feel free!

I haven't sent cards other than to very selected people (mainly older relatives who see the number of cards they get as a barometer of how much they are loved) for years now. I still get for them, but only because they wouldn't understand why I don't send them to others, and there's no point in trying to explain.

Cards clutter the place up, are bad for the planet, cost a fortune to send, are a chore to write, and are a 'tradition' that only benefits the manufacturers. I am not a fan .

I send birthday cards, as they are particular to the recipient, but I see friends to wish them happy Christmas, and those I don't see I speak to or contact by text or SM. If we've lost touch, we aren't really friends, so I don't see the point of a card.

I give to charity via direct debit regardless of cards, and don't understand the link - my donations are not to card manufacturers, so cutting out sending them doesn't need to be compensated for by a donation to an unrelated charity, and I'm not in the habit of justifying my spending choices to others.

I don't understand the messages saying that people are donating instead of sending cards. Charities get a tiny amount of the cost of cards, and nothing for the stamps, so there is no quid pro quo involved. It just feels like virtue signalling to me. I never saw sending cards in terms of money anyway, and I don't see the need to notify people of my charity donations.

I admit that I can't be bothered to write them, and I dislike the angst they produce. People get 'hurt' if they don't get them, have lists to check who has sent what and who hasn't - that's not how friendship works for me. I give time to friends without expecting anything back, and don't expect them to buy into a manufactured ritual in order to be appreciated by me, either.

I doubt that people will be sending cards in ten years or so.

I used to dread doing my mum's for her.
"From my house to yours"
"To the cat of someone who lived next door years ago"...

Her place looked very festive, though, because it was packed full with cards she was sent.

Sending cards! I haven’t bought any yet 🤣 yes be sending few the rest will be hand posted, I only send happy new year texts!

Not in this house there isn't!
I do give, but don't feel it needs announcing.

Many charities depend on Christmas giving and on profit from cards. It’s a small gesture if you can afford it. There’ s plenty spent on gaudy decorations and plastic tat.

I don't send cards, or donate to charity.
Win/win.

I agree Witzend I get a lot of pleasure from receiving Christmas cards as I hope the recipients of mine do. I really dislike e-cards but each to their own.

E cards are NOT the same

I like getting cards so I assume others do too! E cards the same. Last year I was ill and only got a third of the way through my address book and this year has been overall awful so I'm determined to renew/maintain contact with people I care about. I've always bought charity cards
My birthday is near Christmas too and I don't want anything so I've told family to donate to charity in my name and made afew suggestions as to which.

Fflaurie

I stopped sending cards years ago, instead, I make donations to charity, usually two human charities and two animal charities. Cards are such a waste of money, they just go in the recycling come January, whereas a teddy bear for a sick child goes a long way.

They’re not a waste of money if they give pleasure.

I still send them and donate to the same three homeless charities I’ve supported for donkeys’ years at Christmas.

I stopped sending cards years ago, instead, I make donations to charity, usually two human charities and two animal charities. Cards are such a waste of money, they just go in the recycling come January, whereas a teddy bear for a sick child goes a long way.

BigBertha1

I'm with you kittylester I shall still send them while people I love and know like getting them. However, you can give me mine when I see you for coffee!!!

If I have written them by then!!! And I remember to bring it!

I am carrying on.

It used to be 3/4 sent by post. 1/4 hand hand delivered.
Nowadays it has naturally turned into 1/2 and 1/2.
Partly because the post ones, some poeple have sadly died.

So it is working that I am paying more than used to 30 years ago or whatever, but not totally outrageous. Ish!

I'm with you kittylester I shall still send them while people I love and know like getting them. However, you can give me mine when I see you for coffee!!!

Twopence

Last year I stopped sending cards to anyone l could phone, email or see in person, and donated the money saved to charity instead. I used to look forward to writing the Christmas cards and letters, but feel like other friends, that the money can do more good elsewhere. Posted off 5 cards yesterday, previously I've sent 40+.

I have cut down on presents but still send cards, and donate to charity.

Rosiebee "Just to let you know we are no longer sending Christmas cards but we wish you a very happy Christmas and new year. Xx

DH wants to cut back on sending out cards to folk we rarely see. BUT I've tried to compose a message about this being the last card we send and can't get it right. It either sounds mean or sanctimonious. Neither of which we are. Any suggestions appreciated. (

Last year I stopped sending cards to anyone l could phone, email or see in person, and donated the money saved to charity instead. I used to look forward to writing the Christmas cards and letters, but feel like other friends, that the money can do more good elsewhere. Posted off 5 cards yesterday, previously I've sent 40+.

I LOVE sending Christmas cards . I started to design my own a few years ago as a way of trying to take positive steps towards enjoying Christmas after the loss of my Mum at Christmas. I get messages from recipients of my cards reminding me that they want one of my cards and , indeed, collect them and put them up every year. That is SO nice to hear and I know that Mum would be happy to hear it too.

mabon1

For me the postage is a small price to pay for friendships of decades.

Me too. I think it’s only once a year and means a lot to some so it’s worth a few measly pounds.

For me the postage is a small price to pay for friendships of decades.

We send about 65 and I love the cards and letters but it is getting more and more expensive. I always buy charity cards and the ones DGC make in school. I actually hate email cards and would not send them.

jobieP

I have sent out some messages that I am stopping sending Christmas cards. It now costs £4.25 just to send 5 cards second post. It has become a chore

Send e-cards instead, you CAN make them nice and personal. You sign up for one or two years with someone like Jacqui Lawson cards and have a vast choice of cards. It works out really cheaply per card. I send at least 200 cards per year. so get my money back over and over again.

I often think that I could send cards to people whom I know that I won’t see over the festive season, and just wish the people that I will see, a Happy Christmas.

I love getting Xmas cards and still send them to everyone I'm fond of including anyone who's shown me a kindness during the year; also neighbours naturally!!
I love getting them so hope that I get some back.