Saturday, December 3, 2016

Looking for your opinion concerning Christmas cards

I've posted a poll at the top of this page.
Please take a moment to vote.
Thanks!!!

For years I've been wondering if there's an overall preferred style of Christmas card. Extremely trivial, I know. But it's a pondering I often stop at. I've noticed that the family photo postcard style of card has gained in popularity. I personally love seeing photos of people's families and their children. But when it comes to Christmas cards I think I still prefer a traditional greeting card. I've turned a photo of a pet into a greeting card for several different Christmases (before baby Abe came along). Once I used a photo of our cat snuggled under our bedspread. Once I used a photo of our dogs (one being a new puppy) with Christmas wrapping as a backdrop. But on both occasions I adhered the photos to folded card stock to create a card I was then able to write in.



I know a few people that display the family photo cards in their homes at Christmas and basically dispose of the regular holiday greeting cards they receive. I know a few people who honestly dislike the family photo postcards at Christmastime. I eagerly welcome every card we get, family photo or traditional card. Each is hung on the wall next to our entryway book case. The cards on the wall are one of my favorite holiday decorations. I wish everyone sent Christmas cards. But alas, fewer and fewer people actually do.

Do you have any thoughts on the subject?
Do you have a preference?
Feel free to leave a comment and vote in the poll. I'm really curious, even if you have the slightest little preference what your thoughts are on the subject.
AND do you send out holiday cards?


Last year I turned little Abe's artwork into our card. I don't think I posted about it. This year I'm still on the fence about what to do. But I think I'm going to go the same route as last year.

14 comments:

  1. I hand stamp all my Christmas cards, and never make two alike. I feel I can, as I enjoy the craft, and do not exchange gifts with extended family, or attend any functions other than my kids' school concerts.
    That said, I like traditional cards, handmade or otherwise.

    That said, I am happy to receive any card somebody sends.

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    1. I enjoy making cards too. I think it is a special sort of gift to receive a handmade card from someone at Christmas.

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  2. I buy my cards at a discount after the previous Xmas season. I never get my stuff together in time(nor have the extra time)to make cards or take a photo and make it into a card.
    I know, I suck....lol

    I display all cards we receive. We don't have a mantle to hang them from anymore but we figure out some way to display them. Heck, I even keep cards I get. They are rubber banded together according to year and saved.
    Yes, I hoard old Xmas cards. ;-)

    I like getting cards but the number I receive and send is dwindling as the years go by with relatives dying off(happens a lot when you get old like me)and older friends sail out of my life. I just think with the younger generations they don't put value on Xmas cards.

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    1. Awe, I love that you hoard old Christmas cards :)

      I think with each younger generation there is less and less value being placed on concrete things as everything is going "digital/ virtual." I'm an old fuddy duddy at heart and can only wish people still valued Christmas cards as they once did.

      One thing is for sure, my kid is going to be a freak as he'll be making Christmas cards with me in some form or fashion every year until he absolutely revolts. Hahahaha... I'm completely sinister!!!

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  3. I enjoy receiving any card. Pictures are fun to see my family members grow up from year to year, and see old friends and how their kids have changed. I don't want it to be a burden for people though, so understand why people don't-just one more thing to take on. I guess I just like when I receive, but do not expect anyone to send if it doesn't add to their own joy. I really don't understand anyone complaining though about receiving a card of any style.It is nice to have someone think about you.

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    1. Absolutely agree with your stance.
      I don't mean to imply that I've heard anyone "complaining" about any certain type of card. It's more of preference thing. I just know some of my friends really like the photo style cards way better. And I have a relative that only displays the photo style card. Some friends, like myself lean towards liking the traditional greeting card a bit more.

      My favorite by far is a traditional greeting card with a family photo inside. I know a few people who do that and it's just a delight when I open it. Does it matter in the long run which type of card is sent? Not in the least. I absolutely love all of them.

      It's an extremely trivial matter but something I've been curious about, whether other people have any sort of stronger like for one style or the other. Simply a personal opinion situation.

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    2. I guess complint isn't right word. I do over hear people belittle the photo cards, or get sarcastic about them. I've done all ways and probably will vary things depending on year and energy. I love the cat card by the way, and hand made cards are a joy to receive.

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    3. I'm the same way with our cards varying depending on any particular year, time, and energy. This year I just honestly can't decide on what I'd like most to do. I was the same way last year but pulled together a card I really liked last minute. I guess I'll just have to wait and see what comes to me... hopefully soon.

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  4. I love seeing the cards, and enjoy getting them. But, I also don't display or hold onto them. I have a super big thing about "clutter", and have a hard time holding on to anything. But, definitely love seeing pictures. I just got a card today with a photo of my best friend (growing up - we went to elementary school together) & her family. Loved seeing it.

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    1. This is a very interesting comment to me, thanks for sharing it. You definitely offered a different perspective in that you really like receiving the cards but don't hang on to or display them. That frame of mind is so foreign to me but I think there must be many more people who receive Christmas cards similarly. Sometimes I do wonder when I'm sending out tons and tons of cards that take a tremendous effort (because I love to) if some of the recipients even care much at all.

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  5. I used to make fantastic cards. Our all time best was one year Son3 had his picture taken with Shaquil O'neal who was staying at our same hotel in Portland. That year I drew an old rickety house with a door that opened. When you opened the door there was the pic with them and " From our shaq to yours" written on the inside of the door. I can't really top that one so I quit and just buy cards that amuse me.

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    1. Oh my gosh that's an incredible story! Talk about creative. I think I'd feel the same, "can't top that, might as well call it while I'm ahead." That's funny.

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  6. I enjoy all cards especially the home made ones. I don't display all mine any more, just a few (especially the home made ones). Instead I have a basket which I keep near my chair and each time I sit down I re-read a few, often saying a prayer for the senders. Christmas cards are a very important part of Christmas for me as they are reminders of many, many friends throughout my life.

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    1. Honestly the only homemade one I received last year was from you (and first this year too). I love your cards so much. Each one is truly a gift.

      I remember you writing that you've started to keep the cards near your chair and re-read them throughout the season. What a wonderful practice to say a prayer for the senders while going through the greetings. Yet another form of Christmas blessing!

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