This decision is stressing me out. It’s worse than the stress I’m feeling about the three writing deadlines I have coming up right after Christmas. It’s more stress than getting all the shopping and baking and visiting and serving done that makes it feel like “the season.”
The decision? Whether it’s okay to send my Christmas letters to friends and family via email.
A few years ago I would have died of shame at the mere suggestion. It would’ve seemed so gauche, so impersonal. Granted, the Super Cheapskate side of me would’ve lobbied hard at the cost savings, but Daughter of My Mom would have silenced Super Cheapskate with a single stink-eye glare.
But this year, I’m considering it. I mean, I want to send out letters, really I do. But I’m pressed for time. I have a lot of stuff going on. It takes a while to fold and stuff and stamp letters. And to address them! And then there’s the postage. Super Cheapskate keeps sitting on my left shoulder in her red satin devil bodysuit whispering, “Have you seen the cost of a stamp, honey?” and I can’t drown her out by just cranking up my Sinatra Christmas CD louder.
So what I want to know is…how big of a breach of etiquette is it, exactly, in this day and age, to be an e-card sender? Just for one year? Can it be done without serious repercussions in the larger world of etiquette? Do I need to be one of the soldiers who “hold the line” of the old guard, keeping things pure and real? Or can I let down my standards? Or is it, in fact, a relaxing of the standard at all? Instead am I simply getting with the times—or being a thrifty mother?
All these questions swirl inside me, causing the two wolves to gnaw and bark. And I know which one will win—the one I feed. But which one I will feed…is still up in for debate.
Have you ever heard the saying “the traditions of their fathers”? Just back up and do what you want. I always wonder who sets the standards. Mostly some self appointed self important person. Anybody that would be offended needs to be offended and that means whichever you decide.
To tell you the truth, I mailed about 1/3, emailed 1/3, and failed on 1/3. It was one of those years. Thanks for the support, Larry!
Thanks, Larry! That’s definitely a way to look at it. Hahaha!
I’m with you, Jen! I’m not sending any cards this year. Not because of money but because of TIME! When you’re an author, time is money and I’ve had little of both. Honestly I just haven’t had a single moment to have family photos taken let alone write a letter. While a traditional card/letter sent via the postal service is a nice gesture this time of year, especially since everything tends to be so centered on technology, I think your family and friends would appreciate hearing from you in any form. Don’t sweat it!
Thanks, Amie! I have the letter all written and ready to send… Still debating…