This year, I finally caved and started using labels for my Christmas Cards. I have abandoned etiquette and opted for the convenience of the computer to address my holiday greetings. What began as a wonderful holiday tradition has slowly progressed to an impersonal seasonal chore.

I started sending Christmas cards soon after I was married. I would hand write each envelope including the return address. I would write personal notes to each recipient and add clever trimmings including stickers or confetti.

After my first child was born, I dumped the embellishments and used pre-printed labels for the return address. I justified this concession as long as I was not sacrificing the tailored message to each addressee.

When my second child was born, I let go of the personal message and wrote a generic statement “Happy Holidays love the Smiths”. Some recipients received the card well after the new year because I insisted on writing each address (a task that was always interrupted by dirty diapers or spilt apple juice).

For 2006, I have deserted protocol entirely using labels for all addresses and pre-printed cards that only require me to write “The Smiths”. Who knows, maybe next year I’ll be sending my Christmas wishes via email!

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