How many Christmas cards did you send this year?

[DancesWithHooves]

The mailing season is drawing to a close and you may likely have sent most or all of your Christmas cards out by now (at least if you wanted them to arrive before Christmas!).

Out of curiosity, I thought I'd do a poll of the group:

1. How many Christmas cards did you send this year?
2. How many of them are handmade?
3. Is this more or less than you usually send?

I'll start - at last count, I sent 41 this year. I didn't keep track of how many were handmade this time but I'd estimate about a third were and the rest were purchased cards. This is down considerably from year's past... we took a hard look at our mailing list and cut out many for various reasons, which considerably reduced my stress! I also committed after making last year's cards that that was the very last time I planned to send handmade cards to everyone (and the list was 61 folks last year!!) as that was more I could handle and remain sane doing on top of working full time and other life obligations.

It definitely made for a lot more fun to exercise some creativity and "make what I want, when I want" leading up to Christmas, albeit I wish I could have eeked out a few more by now - I had tons of ideas but unobligated free time has been in immensely short supply.

Looking forward to hearing what your card mailing count is this year!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

[cnsteele]

Well, it's a bit disheartening but I sent no Christmas cards this year. Between last year's leftovers and classes I taught this fall, I had about 40 made but the enthusiasm to mail any wasn't there. To explain further, I do not just send a signed card. I write a novel in each one, because I adore writing. This year, I didn't feel like doing all that writing but I also didn't want to mail a card with just my signature, so none went out.

This is definitely less than in previous years. My normal send number averages 50 and all are handmade.

I also bought fewer gifts and decorated less, though, so maybe there's a theme this year to how we want to celebrate Christmas!

[Cook22]

I've counted 61 on my list and that's probably more or less it. I've tried to pare back a bit because international postage is spendy, but it's hard. I do send birthday cards rather than Christmas to most SCS friends. I'm still working on DH's but have been away from home so it's slow progress . I stamped something to make a card for work colleagues but that's not going to happen, we finish up tomorrow. All handmade, despite the fact that I stopped meeting my personal monthly quota of 4 back in June when my aunt was ill.

[stampscout]

We sent 71 handmade cards this year, no store-bought. It usually takes me about 3 months to get all the cards made.

[lovinpaper]

I mailed between 45 and 50. All were handmade.

I made 30 or so of the same card using the same paper, stamped image, and everything. I like sending the exact same card then when I get a thanks for the card, I know what I sent. I sent many that were from previous years, or DTGD, to online friends. Those I am not always sure who received which card so I just say Thank You and leave it a that.

I haven't purchased store bought cards since back surgery time in 2008 and possibly another year. I know after an MS relapse I couldn't write so the cards were late and I typed the signature and glued it on. I think people understand when health issues strike.

[PMR]

I think I sent 40-50, all handmade. I made another 20 for my mother to send.

[c-mouse]

Mine may be postal by Friday so some will be late for Christmas but I don't mind...Right now I have 48 cards using the On line DSP of One horse sleigh I think it is called, and about 10-15 others that are ones made at card group or other things. I will probably send all of them..Am rather happy with the 5 x 7 's as all the beautiful papers are allowing me to use second or third impression ink to add wildlife to the paper...so I have cards with bunnies, cards with foxes, cards with deer and so forth. Plan to finish up adding those images to all the cards tonight using masking techniques to hide them behind tree trunks and in blowing show. If I last long enough I will get the annual letter done and folded as well.

[VeronaSue]

86. I gave my mom another 35 to send. All were handmade.

I send to 70-80 people for Valentines Day, St Patrick’s Day, Easter, Halloween, and Thanksgiving. I gave my mom 20 for each of those holidays. All handmade.

i also donated 60 cards and envelopes to a Ronald McDonald House, a Transplant House, and a Hope Lodge Cancer House in August. Again, all handmade.

I never get tired of making cards and sending or donating them gives me joy.

[whim6915]

I support a couple of cancer units year round so between them and my family I sent out 145 all handmade for Christmas this year. It's just my way of thanking the medical community for all the love and support they gave to my family when we needed it. Plus, it means I have a reason to buy new stuff! I send batches of cards to the units for the staff to use year round but Christmas is my big push. I usually start making Christmas in June but I just work them in while making other cards. The ones I actually have to address, sign and put postage on is about 17 - I would go nuts and broke if I had to do much more than that.

[PJBstamper2]

I kinda lost track but I’d say I sent at least 120 handmade cards. IMO the best ones were “dual holiday” - Christmas on the front and New Year’s on the back. I came up with that idea because I had a bunch of Happy New Year foiled sentiments that I didn’t want to waste. I put a small printed label inside that said something about turning the card around when Christmas was over

[bzzzeee]

I am so impressed by all of you that sent so many handmade cards! I sent approximately 50 cards out to friends and family, 40 or so store bought and 10 handmade. I adore making cards and usually do two or three of each design so I can try some new folds, but my stamping time has to take a back seat to care giving. The 10 handmade cards went to stamping friends and friends of my mom’s who have been especially kind to her as her health declines. I need to start in the summer next year and up my Christmas card making game! 😀 A huge thank you to all those who post and share their cards! You inspire me!

[ondinesgirl]

I sent 95 in the first batch then added more if I received one from someone not on my list. So around 110. All handmade. More than I sent last year. I also made over 200 for the local meals on wheels and another charity. I do enjoy the creativity and get so many positive responses from recipients.

[pnzimmer]

I only sent out 25 cards this year. They were all handmade. I decided to cut the list down since I don’t hear from many people that I was sending them to.

[chrishandy]

I sent 80 handmade Christmas cards this year. I send out the same number each year. I have started making some for next year from my scraps from this year. The cards are my little gift to family and friends. Everyone enjoys receiving them as much as I enjoy making them.

[Conniecrafter]

I did 64, all handmade, I have done more in the past but a few family members have passed away.

[craftymomto2]

About 30 cards for me, then let my two daughters pick from the cards that were left over.

[psmiller]

I made this years cards last summer...60 of them with coordinated envelopes! I sent an additional 12 or so "purchased" cards as well. I find if I dont get my christmas cards made in the late summer, I do not have time to do them in the fall.
I hear from many friends and relatives that they have every card I have ever made for them! Thats endearing!

[kmt1000]

I normally send out about 24, but none this year. I made them but my mojo is pretty much gone this year due to breast cancer. Had surgery in Jan, then chemo over summer, and then radiation. I'm just tired now and didn't send them out. Next year for sure! Funny, I normally send them out the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and I normally get quite a few from those I send to. This year I didn't send them and have only gotten 3 cards, so I think people must only send me one because I sent them one. Hmmmm.....

[bzzzeee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmt1000

I normally send out about 24, but none this year. I made them but my mojo is pretty much gone this year due to breast cancer. Had surgery in Jan, then chemo over summer, and then radiation. I'm just tired now and didn't send them out. Next year for sure! Funny, I normally send them out the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and I normally get quite a few from those I send to. This year I didn't send them and have only gotten 3 cards, so I think people must only send me one because I sent them one. Hmmmm.....

Hi Kathy, I am so sorry for all you have endured this year. I hope you are recovering well and 2024 is kinder to you. Sending you wishes for good health. As for the cards, I really think the increase in postage in this down economy has forced people to make choices about spending. I know I hear this even from my siblings. I would say I’ve received about half as many cards as normal. I would love to send you a card if you PM me your address!

[susanbri]

1. I mailed out 30 and hand-delivered 5.
2. All were home-made.
3. This was less than last year. I kept a list of who sent cards to me last year and I only sent to those people this year.

I made an additional 100 Christmas cards to sell at a fundraiser in November. That's why you see me posting Christmas cards all through the year!

[smhtwin]

I made 85 cards:

60 went to friends and family, which is about the normal amount we usually send. These were a blue/white/snowman theme. DH asked for a blue and white card this year and even though I had already started a completely different design, I pivoted and made the new cards since he rarely asks for me to change things.

20 went to the folks my office calls each day to make sure they are OK. I work in a Senior Resource Center at a local hospital and we offer these free phone calls to help seniors stay independent in their own homes. They love getting handmade cards. The cards were red/white/black Christmas theme.

5 cards for my co-workers here in the office. Yet another design - very clean and simple with white and red holiday design One of the cards was pink and white since pink is one of my co-worker's favorite color.

I was here last weekend with my Twin and some friends and that gave me time to get things finished. www.sdscrapinn.com

Since I already have the stuff from the original Christmas card idea, I can get a way earlier start on them in 2024!

[mac4551]

all of mine are handcrafted - for the past 25-30 years. I always make at least 75 and send from 65-70... I have the same lists, and pretty much send to the same people. I get about 25 in return, with maybe 2 being handcrafted. This is pretty much the same as the past years.... I keep the 'leftovers' in a box, and in case I need extra for any nursing homes or hospitals, I use them. In the beginning, I would make 4-5 different themes, and keep track of who go which card. After several years of that, I switched to making only 2 themes... one religious and one comical, but still keep my list of who gets which card.

---------------------
I used to send ONLY to people who sent me cards, but then when I'd see someone after Christmas and they'd comment on how they missed my Christmas card and asked if all was okay, I decided to keep my list the same, and have only removed a few names over the years. People always tell me how they've kept my cards throughout the years... and since I LOVE creating them, I just continue to keep the list going.

[DancesWithHooves]

You guys are so inspiring!

I used to keep track of who sent us a card, but only early in the marriage... that helped me figure out a few years down the road if I should keep them on the list (as in - do they ever send a card or do we keep in touch outside of Christmas, even if it's just a once-a-year text? If not, then off they went. Facebook doesn't count - I never go there.)

THANK YOU to all of those who donate to your chosen groups! You are so kind and are absolutely showing the Love this season is about! Same to those who give without concern of getting in return - but please don't overwhelm yourselves in the process!

Hugs and love,
C

[fl_beachbum]

I only sent 8 this year. I usually get the urge to create them in August/September and didn't this year just due to busy times in the family. I couldn't really get into the mood of it this year. That's ok. I'll make winter themed ones and send them over the next couple of months

[DianeinSparks]

I sent 60, all hand stamped, about the same as last year. I start in Jan. and work on them all year but no more than 4 alike since I start making horrible mistakes if I make more than 4 or 5. I also make cards for every holiday starting with Valentines, St. Pats, Easter, July 4th, Halloween, and Thanksgiving, along with birthday and anniversary cards to family and friends, get well, sympathy and pet sympathy, back to school for 3 nieces and 2 great nieces/Nephew, new baby, graduation, job promotion, etc. I send hundreds of cards every year, all hand stamped, embossed or die cut; it keeps my arthritic hands functioning and me happy.

[sylviad]

I sent 108 this year. People say “oh it’s so expensive“, but I consider each of my friends worth at least $.65. I’ve received close to 50 cards this year so far. I don’t keep track of who sent them and who didn’t. I just enjoy making the cards and sending them out to my friends and family. I know they are appreciated so it keeps me going. I actually have started making a few for next year.

[robshop]

In the past I’ve made about 80 cards each year. I make what I affectionately termed Tier 1, 2, 3, or 4 cards. That came to be because I always start out making a very involved card. So now tier 1 cards go to my card stamping group friends (5), my children and my MIL. tier 2 cards go to siblings and sib-in-laws. When I get to tier 3 cards, I am running close to a date to get the darn things mailed! Tier 4 is I’ve got to get these in the mail! All are handmade and much appreciated.

we are now retired and we receive and send fewer cards each year. This year I sent about 40 and I only had tier 1 and tier 2 cards. ( I didn’t need tiers 3 and 4!) Now my stamping friends will ask what “tier” their card is from! The tiers started out as a joke, but I find it helpful!

[Chris4436]

Last time I sent Christmas cards was in 2020 because, like others here, the motivation just wasn't there. I sent spring cards in 2022, and thought that would be my thing, but didn't this spring so I decided I really needed to send Christmas cards.

I used to send around 50 cards, but for 2023 I mailed 35 after scrubbing my list of friends who moved and we don't have a new address, or with whom we're no longer in contact (old college friends, etc.). I sent about 25 handmade cards to those I know enjoy them and the rest were the sort we get from charitable organizations we support. I like to include a short printed note with family highlights, but if not, I still write a quick note to the recipient.

Chrissy, I like this poll; it's fun to see other's systems!

[JBgreendawn]

hmmm, I am guessing here on the numbers but, I think I mailed about 35 ish handmade ones, hand delivered another dozen also handmade and did purchase one store bought card while on vacation to send to someone at bootcamp and ( had only packed gift tags in the suitcase)
Merry Christmas eve people! and those are probably pretty close to last years numbers. I cut my list way back from over 100 peeps to people who actually like receiving them a few years ago.

[cheermom]

I sent 30. All hand stamped. We received only 18 and most were store bought. I only received 3 hand stamped cards. WAY LESS this year than any year. I have cut back myself. I used to send 50 so I did cut down 20 who I did not get cards from last year or the year before.

Merry Christmas Eve to all!! We've had our celebration so it will be a quiet day for us tomorrow.

[LilBit]

I sent 340 this year (all hand made). I send 250 to Meals on Wheels and the rest for my personal use. I also send 250 cards for Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day for Meals on Wheels. Sadly, this may be my last time for this function as I have severe arthritis and can no longer use my hands for these types of functions.

[jeanne3579]

I sent out 65 all hand stamped and all different around the theme of gifts/presents. In addition 7 thank you cards all hand stamped, all different and all around the same theme. I usually write a personal note to everyone and for those that I'm not around all year, I include a newsletter. I have been thinking about reducing the number for the past few years, and while I receive very few cards---hand made or not, most people really love them and appreciate them. I did not do a newsletter this year, as I stay in contact throughout the year with most recipients. I sent out the same amount of hand stamped Thanksgiving cards with the theme of feathers this year.

[DancesWithHooves]

I hope you all had an amazing Christmas!

WOW - thank you all for sharing! Some of you send out more than "a lot" in my opinion, and you are so kind as to donate to the various places yours go! HUGE respect to you!

[hoptownracer1]

I think I sent out around thirty; all hand made. I got about twelve. The number of people sending cards has gone way down here. I still have five or so cards I made that I didn't send out, so I'll have a head start for next year. I got some gorgeous and adorable cards from a few people on this site; love the cards! So awesome!

[tchk]

I sent 80 cards but none homemade.

[Rebali]

I sent out 11 this year and hand delivered 2. All were hand made. I haven't bought any store cards in many years. Received 7 cards, 3 handmade.

[DancesWithHooves]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tchk

I sent 80 cards but none homemade.

That alone is a feat - all that addressing and writing takes a LONG time!

[cjzim]

I sent about 60; around half were hand made.

[Stampin' Sooz]

I sent about 125 (which includes a number of hand delivered ones for my staff and to a local nursing home) and all were hand made. I make them all year long to be sure I don't feel a ton of pressure close to the holidays.

[carolc1027]

This year I made 105 cards and all were mailed both domestically and internationally. I make about 10 - 11 each of 10 different designs (so I don't get bored - LOL). My husband helps with die cutting if there is a lot to do.

I usually start in October, although this year, the plan is 1 set a month beginning January.