Every year at this time (actually, usually by Dec 24) I think to myself...why did I go through all that trouble of writing/typing/fighting with making a Christmas letter and sending out cards (by the mailing deadline) to 50+ people when I get maybe 20 back? I don't expect to get every one back...but come on...that's not even 50%.
NOW its even more annoying because I had made each and every one of those 50+ cards and they also get the Christmas letter (which was a pain this year because our stupid computer and mouse hate me).
I also keep painful track of who I sent cards to and who sent some back. I like to get cards because its the only time I hear from a lot of these people. I like when there's a photo and a letter...but if there's only one or the other, that's ok. NOW I'm even ok with just the card because at least they thought about us enough to send a card.
So...there are some people on the list that I don't mind not getting a card from....like my 102 yr old Aunt or GJA's 85+ yr old Aunt or any other relative that I know appreciates the photo/letter but probably are too old or "male" and don't do cards...that's fine, I can deal with that.
HOWEVER, there are several young, able bodied friends that can certainly send a family photo or a note once a year to prove they are alive....but no, they don't. I have dropped a few people over the years, but GJA keeps ADDING people to the list...and also saying...one more year, then you can drop them. WELL...2012 might be that YEAR!
Don't get me wrong, I love making the cards and getting everything organized and sent - I get a sense of accomplishment and anticipation of receiving cards back...and every year I'm so hopeful and excited and every year, nada.
So - why do people not send cards? I feel badly if I receive a card and haven't sent one...and I'm running to the mailbox to send one back. Obviously, I'm in the minority because people are getting our cards yearly and sending squat.
Do you send cards? Do you receive a large portion back?
Here's this year's card:
