Over the years, most especially during the holiday season, I’ve done more than my fair share to support Uncle Sam and the United States Postal Service.
Yet, I’m taking a stand.
And I ain’t gonna do it no more.
When did I decide?
Today.
Why did I decide?
Because I’m a digital girl living in a digital world, and I would much rather spend my days playing Liberace on a keyboard.
As a writer, I love a good pen, but find the need to use one less and less. In fact, one Christmas Sexy Hubby bought me some super fancy pen that cost the equivalent of a 7-course meal. Must have been around the time I bought him a $200 hammer – the thing used to hit nails. {Should have hit myself in the head for all the sense that made.}
Regardless, I just don’t write anymore, at least the old fashioned way, via pen and paper. In fact the only humans on the planet with whom I continue to MAIL items are my parents. And that is about to come to a halt, once I show them how to operate electronic mail. Then, I’m going to declare myself paper free!!!
I already pay all my bills online. I receive all of my statements via email. The only paper that arrives in my mail box are local circulars. And a few old-fashioned magazines (which after reading, I properly recycle!) I do love a magazine. Wonder how much longer they will be around??
Over the past holiday weekend, as I belabored decorating the Christmas tree in the back of my mind was this shrill, nagging voice, “You’ve got to get your Christmas cards signed, addressed, and ready to mail. Pronto!”
I hate that nagging voice.
I would have opted to shovel every driveway on our street rather than sit down and scribble out names and addresses. It was killing me.
In today’s social media world, it is rare to go more than a 12 hours without seeing a new photo or update on my favorite social media outlets. We interact on a regular basis. We have no need to clog the land fills with more paper.
And I know one person (he who shall not to be named) that will be extra-relieved to not suffer through another holiday photo shoot. Especially after the year I demanded we go shoe-less.
We lived in California.
There was no snow on the ground.
Yet, by the way my family reacted, you’d a thought I wanted them to walk a mile over red-hot coals.
They have no appreciation for holiday photo staging. {I let them be in the photo anyway.}
For those lucky few who receive a hard-copy holiday greeting in your mailbox this December, I am relieved to say, it will be our last.
Don’t worry, for all the fodder you can stand – all year long – just log on here.
I hope to be around awhile. Blogging this and blogging that.
One last look at the holiday cards from our past…
{As you can tell, this card theme with hand-made bows carried over two years in a row!}
Say Goodbye to Hollywood.
Say Goodbye my Baby…
Side Note:
Sexy Hubby: What’s the blog about? (His normal question.)
Me: Say Goodbye My Baby
Sexy Hubby: I don’t know what that means?
Me: I’ve had an epiphany.
Sexy Hubby: What this time?
Me: I have decided this is the last year we are sending Christmas Cards.
Sexy Hubby: What?
Me: Yep, I’m over it.
Sexy Hubby: I don’t know if I agree with that.
Me: Great. Feel free to do it yourself.
Sexy Hubby: Forget that. (Which we know what he really said.)
— The End —
Not sure how I feel about this. You always brag about how you like to be the first one in everyone’s mailbox. Well let me tell you Macy and I have checked said mailbox everyday since Thanksgiving waiting for our first Christmas card, and it has yet to arrive! Still waiting……
first half of the alphabet, sitting on the back seat of my car. been there since Monday.
second half of the alphabet (where YOUR card is) sitting on the sofa…waiting to be completed…yep, told you. I’ve lost the lovin’ feeling…
Have fun in KC…let’s hook up when you get home!
KT
I’ve been debating this one myself for awhile. But I confess, I love getting cards, so to be fair I feel I have to send some. But my list has gotten shorter and shorter. And sometimes they go out after New Year’s (still technically the Christmas season in the Catholic world, though, right?) So now you know mine aren’t ready to mail. And my tree isn’t decorated. How many weeks till Christmas? (Love the photos – my crew always hated those photo sessions, too.)
sorry to be a grinch on this one…and I too love getting cards in the mail, but really, via email or social media is just as well.
Guess I’m just into simplifying.
And since Sexy Hubby won’t do it, we’re done!
KT
I haven’t done cards in so many years and I am thrilled you aren’t sending one as I always feel so guilty when I get it in the mail and I haven’t sent one to you! So I completely support your decision to remain “penless in Montana.”
well, don’t hate me when your very last card arrives shortly. i mailed the bulk of them today…
i was having the “I’m not sending any more Christmas cards” chat with the cute USPS gal today. She said she stopped sending cards a few years ago.
we all feel so liberated. it’s a growing movement.
KT
I had this very thought today as I realized I was having a meltdown over my return address labels being printed incorrectly. Address labels. I do not need to spend time being upset by this kind of thing, particularly when — as you say — anyone who wants to see pictures of my kids can just get online.
i feel your pain CFM! and I cannot even begin to tell you how relieved I am with this decision. It’s time to go digital.
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A little late, but I wanted to share that I stopped sending Christmas cards back in 2004. And what I found amusing was how dramatically the number of cards I received fell off. Like they had only been sending cards in response to mine? So I kind of let them off the hook when I stopped sending them, I guess. These were long ago friends and distant relatives that I hadn’t seen or spoken with in years, just did the once a year card thing out of duty.
Anyway, when I found my way to facebook a few years later, it was a nice surprise to be contacted by some of these people, and I was encouraged to contact some people myself, and so now I’m back in touch with many people that I would not otherwise be. In a better way. So I am a big fan of social network vs. duty Christmas cards.
I must disclose that I do buy and mail a few cards to elderly relatives who still really enjoy getting and sending Christmas cards.
Deedee,
I too, have already thought of the few “non-digital” folks in my life that may warrant a card, but for the masses they get me via the social media outlets (like it or not!)
I must admit, not only do I feel completely invigorated by this decision, but I am encountering more and more folks who are doing (or have already done) the same thing – just like you!!
Enjoy this snowy Friday!
KT
It’s sad! don’t do it! Look at all the beautiful cards you’ve done in the past! I know.. it’s a hassle.. I think I’ve got a few years left in me! merry christmas!
Oh Tricia, I simply cannot stomach it one more year.
This is it.
And believe me, I’ve gotten an ear-fill from those on my list!!
It seems more appropriate when kids are small. 2/3 kids are now adults. Doesn’t seem as necessary.
Merry Christmas to you as well!!!
KT
What a great collection of family shots!
/kk
Thanks KK!!!