As the holiday season approaches, the tradition of sending holiday cards often comes into question. Do they really matter? Are they worth the effort? Here are nine compelling reasons to think about giving them a miss this year.
- The Letter Dilemma: Writing the perfect holiday letter can be a daunting task. Despite the belief that these letters are typically skimmed at best, you still feel the pressure to create one that captivates. The editing process is not only time-consuming but also exhausting. In the end, you might find solace in the hope that at least your mom will read it cover to cover.
- Choosing the Right Paper: Let’s face it, a plain white sheet simply won’t cut it. Unless you want your heartfelt message tossed into the recycling bin, you’ll need to invest in some decent stationery. After all, who wants to be remembered for their “office paper” holiday card?
- Formatting Frustration: Once you’ve procured the perfect paper, the formatting begins. You’ll likely spend hours ensuring your text fits just right among the festive graphics you’ve selected. Just when you think it’s perfect, you realize the design is blocking your holiday wishes. Cue the wine, font adjustments, and a final decision to crank “Happy Holidays” to a bold 20-point font.
- The Family Photo Hunt: Selecting a single family photo seems straightforward until you discover that you lack even one decent image from the past year. How is it possible that you can’t find a picture where your family doesn’t look like a scene from a reality show?
- Collage Chaos: Opting for a collage instead? Good luck with that. You’ll spend hours cutting, rearranging, and trying to create a picture-perfect display that screams, “Look how adorable we are!” Yet, it may end up looking more chaotic than charming.
- Address List Agony: Revisiting your address list can be a nightmare. Friends have moved, and you’re left scrambling to track them down. You might even consider kicking them off the list for their inconsideration, but ultimately, you decide it’s worth the effort to ensure they receive your card.
- Envelope Stuffing Struggles: With your labels printed and postage purchased, the tedious task of stuffing envelopes begins. If your letter doesn’t fit, you’ll find yourself resorting to questionable origami techniques, resulting in crinkled photos and one very disappointed great-aunt.
- The Licking Battle: The act of sealing envelopes by licking them is an unpleasant chore. Despite your husband’s suggestion to use a damp sponge, you stubbornly continue with your method, resulting in a less-than-pleasant experience that leaves you feeling a bit queasy.
- The Harsh Reality: Let’s be honest—most people end up throwing away their holiday cards anyway.
If you’re looking for alternatives this year, consider exploring other ways to spread holiday cheer. For more ideas, check out our post on home insemination kits. And if you’re in need of some nursery inspiration, this guide on twin cribs provides some excellent options. For comprehensive information on pregnancy and home insemination, visit The Center for Reproductive Health.
In summary, the annual holiday card ritual can be overwhelming and often feels pointless. With a bit of reflection, you might find that skipping the cards this year is the best choice for your sanity and your wallet.