Sending Christmas cards used to be a huge part of the holiday season. Families would sit down together, write personal messages, and mail cards to loved ones. I even used to sell engraved Christmas cards door-to-door in the Summer when I was in grade school.

Still, the tradition is waning. According to the US Post Office, the number of Christmas cards sent through the mail has dropped a massive 65% since 2004. It’s no surprise that people have found quicker and cheaper ways to stay connected and send holiday wishes—texts, emails, and especially social media posts.

My wife and I have been holdouts. We have dutifully sent Christmas cards each year we’ve been married … 35 Christmases. We sent out over 100 cards this year to friends and family, including a short “family happenings” Christmas note.

Still, we seem to be one of the few in our social circle bothering anymore. This year, with a few days yet to go, we’ve received fewer than 30. Last year, we totaled out at 48. I think we’re the last ones in my entire family (and my wife’s family) that still send them out.

Honestly, we’re getting to the point where we’re not sure how much longer we’ll keep it up. Sending over 100 cards is a lot of work – we probably spent a combined 8 hours designing, writing, addressing, stuffing, and stamping the cards. It was $250 for the photo card printing and $80 for the stamps.

Since we’re retired, we have the time & money to do it, but that amount of effort isn’t worth it if so few other people value the tradition. While there’s something special about sending and receiving real cards that no text or email can replace, it might be time to move on.

Are you still sending out Christmas cards?

Image: Pixabay

Retraction (12/20/24): My brother & his wife sent us a beautiful card, along with our nephew & his wife!