It’s another one of those internet days, Christmas Card Day, which “serves as a reminder to get your stamps, envelopes, and cards together so you can share your holiday cheer.” If you haven’t yet, and you plan to send cards, you are hereby reminded to Get On the Stick! But if you’re feeling absolutely overwhelmed — which would not be surprising in this annus horibilis — take heart. Etiquetteer has always said that Christmas cards might be sent throughout the Twelve Days of Christmas, and those start with Christmas Day, not finish. So in theory, you could mail your Christmas cards January 6, but December 30 is really a better deadline.
Because this has been such a challenging year, you might want to consider expanding your list rather than shrinking it (if you’re able), just to reassure more people that you’re still around. On the other hand, more than a few people are drained of all Holiday Spirit at the thought of having to write and send holiday greetings. Etiquetteer exempts them. While the exchanging of written holiday greetings is Perfectly Joyous for many, it remains an optional part of the season’s activities.
Etiquetteer’s written about other holiday card issues here and here.
This year being what it’s being, Etiquetteer is waiting until the cocktail hour to open cards received in the mail, and it’s a delightful ritual.
Whether you’re sending cards or not, Etiquetteer wishes you a Perfectly Proper Postal Holiday!