Every year is the year I swear I’m not sending Christmas cards.
And every year I give in at the last minute and do it anyway.
I don’t know why. Pressure. Feeling left out. Like it’s part of my mom and wife job. Obligations.
But this year, it’s not gonna happen. Nosiree.
Why?
1) I *just* sent out birth announcements. Like, three months ago. There’s not a whole lot else to say since then. I mean, more diapers and lots of spit up. My boobs are less sore. But that’s about it.
2) Social media makes Christmas cards obsolete. I feel like Christmas cards filled that void for people you didn’t keep in touch with on a regular basis. You know, kinda letting them know you’re all still alive, that you went on a Caribbean cruise last summer, and little Sophie is in Kindergarten now and doing fabulously in ballet. But with the advent of Facebook, Twitter, and worse yet, blogs…everyone knows you’re all alive and well. In fact, they know what grade Sophie is in, have seen the 64 *adorable* pictures of her last recital, a picture of her newest dress, the time she lost a tooth, yesterday morning’s breakfast, and the always darling one of her on the toilet taking her first big girl poop. I even have a blog…which is like Facebook status’ (stati?) on steroids. Pictures with PARAGRAPHS of explanation. You know I’m alive. And wordy. There’s not a whole lot to add.
3) It’s expensive. Dear USPS, With all due respect, and while I don’t claim to be an expert in such matters, it seems to me that if your customer base is dwindling, perhaps increasing the price of postage on a regular basis is not helping. Just a thought. Love, j.
4) I just don’t have it in me this year. Sure, I could throw something together…order cards from Costco’s one hour photo lab, type out a letter and get it all done in a few nights’ time. But, not without harried rushing, some cursing, and general frustration. It sounds like a lot of work right now. Especially when you consider point #2. Like running over an already dead cat. (Why waste the gas???) Plus, we don’t have an updated family picture…which is a Christmas card requirement…I mean, who wants a card that has an illustration of a wreath on it?! No one does. That’s who. Which brings me to the real crux of the matter:
I’d have to stage some kind of photoshoot with my kids.
If you’ve ever tried to take photos of your kids and get them all in the same frame, you are well versed in the four stages of Mom Photoshoot Fakeage:
- Stage 1: Feign Excitement. “Come on guys! This will be FUN! Isn’t it great?! You all look so pretty! Smile!!!! YAYYYYY!!!”
- Stage 2: Bribery. “Okay, seriously. If you guys just look at mommy’s camera and smile real big, I’ll take you out to ice cream. Promise! Sure, I’ll re-tie your dress ribbon. Again. Quit pulling on it or no ice cream…”
- Stage 3: Death Threats. “ALRIGHT, THAT’S IT! Now you’re not getting ice cream AND you’re about to get sent to the longest time out of your LIFE! JUST LOOK HAPPY! WHY CAN’T YOU JUST LOOK LIKE YOU LOVE EACHOTHER???!!!! SMILE! NOW!!!!! QUIT TOUCHING YOUR SISTER. LOOK at the camera!!! You know, we could have been done by now if you just SMILED!”
- Stage 4: Mom Needs a Nap. Or a glass of wine. Or both. No explanation needed.
Like I said, I just don’t have it in me this year. I want to pretend that I’m not sending them out in the name of focusing on the “true meaning of Christmas” or something much more poignant…but I’m basically just being lazy.
So, all of that to say that I fail at the mom thing of sending out Christmas cards in 2012. Maybe I’ll just Facebook message everyone a link to my blog. In the meantime, I will enjoy the cards I do get (from the non-slacker moms) and be greatly impressed. No, really. My hat’s off to ya. Seriously.
Who’s with me?
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Even though I’m the daughter in our family of 4 the last few years I have been in charge of the Christmas cards. Mainly because I’m the one that cares enough to do them (and this year I don’t feel the need) however with a brother who has special needs it is sometimes hard to get a good picture. The last few years I have used the type of card that allows for a few smaller pictures instead of 1 big one. Its a little more forgiving in terms of the “picture perfect family photo” compared to the typical card with only one picture spot available. I would suggest next time you’re at Disney making sure you get a picture of everyone, no matter who it’s with and just taking a quick picture. It may not be perfect, but it will be sweet.
Katie´s last blog post ..Tis the Season, When’s the Running Season?
I am with you ;) I will just send the cards to all my friends outside of my country (and there’s a few of them!). I agree – its somehow expensive…Especially compared to the price of sending wishes through social media (which is…nothing!). And I believe it is supposed to be something you want to do from the bottom of your heart – if you don’t feel like it, there’s absolutely no reason to do it just because you think you should!
Agreed!! Just told my family that I will be posting a Christmas greeting on our blog rather than sending cards and everyone fussed, so….we did a last minute photo shoot (which drove me bonkers) in hopes of having a Christmas card photo. Out of 200, 2 are card appropriate. May or may not be doing cards and I am so okay with it!!
patti´s last blog post ..Sushi, Preschool and Freedom
Just using up the ones I’ve aleady bought and then I’m done – whatever year that is…
I haven’t sent them out for a number of years now. Sometimes I just send them to people who send them to me, but most of the times “no.” No guilt here….they should be optional. Merry Christmas! :)
Nancy@livininthegreen´s last blog post ..Spotlight on: Peppermint and Vanilla Mint Medley Tea Blend
Just wrote out six cards to friends I don’t get to chat with much…and I am done! We tried the Disney photo and everyone looked hot and sweaty (it was August!) and trying to get two teens and a tween to look like they enjoy being together is draining. So it is a few store bought cards and no guilt this year! Enjoy the extra time it gives you to watch the twinkling tree lights with a cup of tea!
Ok. It sounds like your mind is made up. But you don’t need a fancy family picture. Twice this year when I needed a card I used some instagrams and made collages in picasa which is like the dinosaur of photo editing. Then got them printed at Costco. Just saying. Because I follow you on IG and know you have some awesome photos. Whatever you decide it’s your holiday. Spend it doing what matters. Like watching Elf with your kiddos!
Xoxo
Megan
Absolute Mommy´s last blog post ..Tis the Season {Life Lately}
Totally with you on this. I did not send cards last year and it felt so good, I’m doing it again this year.
I thought about it but then I said, awwwww I gotta send cards because that lets me off the hook with buying certain people gifts.
Yes. I give them a picture of my kid for Christmas. These people are old enough, and retired (so that means $$) to buy the crap they want, but they can’t get super cute pics of my kid from JC Penney nosireebillybob until Christmas.
I’m kind of snarky, but I think you figured that out already.
Cheers,
Caryl
Haven’t mailed Christmas cards in 5 years. I send an email (that you’ll get soon) with somewhat of an update. Short, sarcastic, possibly poetic. A little different each year. And I attach a few pics and a link to everyone’s favorite blog post “Worst Hagen photos of 2012.” But to anyone who Sends me a card I email them. I do love receiving cards but it’s just so expensive and I am a social spaz and have a hard time nailing down a manageable list.
to be honest you have your hands full. I have full time college classes and with school letting out for christmas about 5 days before… well i’m not sending them this year i guess. (i got so much stuff i’m doing i keep forgetting or being too tired to care)
Oh yeh and what i meant to finsih with is that i wouldn’t worry about it. in a few years the USPS won’t be mailing cards anymore anyway and the next generation won’t know what a paper christmas card is.
We’re sending out some, but no letter. :-)
Oh girl. THANK YOU for writing this post. I actually LOVE christmas cards. As a designer and wanna-be photographer, I feel slightly guilty on not sending cards out this year. But like you, I am JUST TOO OVERWHELMED right now. And you know what? The earth will continue to revolve. We also plan to send out birth announcements in March.
i hear ya…..BUT i just sent out 105 of the cutest cards to date. BUT the only reason i had a family photo of the 12 of us was because…..
1. it was the senior night football game at my son’s highschool
2. older sisters were home from college
3. said son asked that alll family members attend senior night and try not to embaress him. all because it was his last high school game and HE WAS GOING TO BE IN HIS PADS. thats football pads.
4. i paid $45 to the photog thru some photo site for the photo rights, because it was cute and all
5. my 13 year old also took a photo of 3 month baby bro and put that in the corner ( since he was in the moby and you couldnt see his face in the football chot ) in the corner of said card, that he made- a week before thanksgiving.
6. cards delivered to my house and sat in a box for three weeks until i got out my “good pens” ( the ones i hide from the kids )and addressed them all. lots of coffee and at 4 am for two mornings.
7. so they were finally mailed yesterday and i hope everyone likes them because my next son isnt a senior for 4 years and it could be that long for another family photo!
peace
Amen, Jeannett! I hear ya :)
Kerry @ Made For Real´s last blog post ..The Christmas Story
I hear ya on the photo shoot! Most stressful night of the year and I had to do it twice this year. Don’t know how I missed all the crud on BOTH of my twins faces until I downloaded the pictures the next day. And the expressions an 11 year can make when every minute of the photo shoot is another minute they are late to a birthday party? Maybe I should have just used the 1st set…
I envy you. As much as I want to check myself into the psychiatric hospital after every photo shoot with my children, I HAVE TO SEND CHRISTMAS CARDS. I mean, seriously, it’s a compulsion.
Melissa from the Blue House´s last blog post ..All The Little Flowers…