Christmas card etiquette...

[Steelmaker]

With the holidays rapidly approaching I wanted to create this thread. First of all, I admit it. I LOVE sending and receiving Christmas cards! I take great pleasure in receiving Christmas cards in the mail from people and I proudly display them in my home during the holiday season. However!! I have to get my frustrations out regarding Christmas card etiquette!

1.) Don't send cards with pictures of you or your family on them. Trust me when I say, nobody wants to see that. Put your narcissism aside for the holidays and take the time to pick out cards with nice artwork on them. Most people like to display their cards and nothing ruins that more than a picture of a group of people wearing matching reindeer sweaters! If you want to include a nice picture of your family inside the card, that's fine but don't make the picture as the front of the card.

2.) Don't send "post card" type Christmas cards. Make sure your card actually opens. Nothing is more annoying than trying to prop one of these cards up with your other Christmas cards. They constantly fall over and you have to keep propping them back up.

3.) Take the time to write something in addition to what the card already says. Even if it's something as simple as "Hope you and the family have a great holiday." Do something to personalize it just a little so it doesn't seem like the card was part of some mass-production process with a signature just to get them in the mail.

4.) No digital e-cards! Come on folks! I know we live in the digital age but this is as lame and lazy as having your kids write an email to Santa! Take the time to pick out a nice set of cards, get a pack of stamps, and mail them out the old fashioned way. It shows that you were thoughtful enough to take the time to do it.

5.) Get them out on time. Many people travel for the holidays. Sometimes several days before Christmas day. It would be a shame if they didn't receive your card because they weren't home when it was delivered. Plus it gives them enough time to send one to you in response if they choose to do so. My rule of thumb, get them in the mail no later than the 2nd Monday in December.

6.) Always "quid pro quo" Christmas cards to those whom you receive one from that you weren't expecting. Yes, it's a bit of a lame move but what's worse? Returning the kindness or ignoring it completely? Now I realize that can potentially violate rule #5. However in some instances, better late than never applies and this is one of them. Plus you can save the address for the next year and be proactive in sending them a card instead of simply responding to their thoughtfulness.

Anyone else have any pet peeves when it comes to Christmas cards? Feel free to share.