Tis the season for making your list and collecting addresses, taking a (sometimes painful) family picture, writing out “Happy Holidays” for the thousandth time, literally running to the post office before it closes, stand in a VERY long line at the post office for stamps and finally mail out your holiday cheer to your nearest and dearest. Sound familiar?
Cards are lovely, I enjoy the sentiment and the thoughtfulness of getting a card on my birthday or anniversary or for no reason at all. I like to send cards to let my family know I’m thinking of them. I think it is polite and proper to send a thank you note in response to a nice gift or generous gesture. But lets be honest, how long to do you really hold on to those cards before they end up in the trash? A week or two; maybe keep a sentimental few to reminisce over. I usually toss them, no offense family and friends – I’d love too but, I just can’t hold on to all of them forever. I assume you do the same, no offense taken.
And lately I’ve been really thinking about the environment and trying to be a little greener? Aren’t we all? Recycle more, be more mindful and use cloth shopping bags, etc. The mountains of paper, cards, wrapping paper, gift bags, tags, etc. that go through our hands every holiday season is staggering.
This year I have a proposal for all my LadyBowTie readers in regards to their holiday cards. I propose that you do not send out holiday cards this year. Instead, take the money you would of used on cards, envelopes, stamps, gas money (or bus fare) and give it as a donation to a charity of your choice. Or you could buy some can goods for your local food bank, they will desperately need it this time of year. Give to Meals and Wheels so that a neighbor will have a hot meal this Thanksgiving. Or my personal favorite, buy a new toy or gift card for your local toy drive and give to a child or teenager in need.
PS. One exception, and we all have one, that crazy relative who waits by the mail box everyday and will be sure to remind you as you pass them the cranberry sauce that they haven’t received your card yet and then continue to remind you everyday for the next 364 days. Go ahead and send them a card. Sometimes you have to pick your battles my friends and that one isn’t it.
