Why do some folks send Xmas cards so late?

[Anonymous]

Because I’ve been working 10-12hr days all this month. I’m sad. I adore this time of year but feel so little Christmas spirit because I’m tired and barely have time for anything else. We have our cards, just haven’t had the time or emotional energy to write notes and address them.

[Anonymous]

I love the late cards. I have more time to sit and enjoy them once Christmas Day is actually over. It’s still the season, and still lovely to get kind words, pictures of kids growing up so fast, and remembrance from old friends.

[Anonymous]

OP final count as of today 17 cards vs 60 mailed. Today’s last card is from my wife’s friend who is an empty Nestor post marked 12-22 who does not work.

I guess while I am taking down tree and decorations I will feel special getting late cards. Like getting a Valentine’s Day card on February 16th or a Birthday card a week late.

It is like a last minute wedding invite you know you were not originally invited, but too many people said no and they have a minimum at the catering hall so last second the B list gets invited. Isn’t that a warm feeling?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP final count as of today 17 cards vs 60 mailed. Today’s last card is from my wife’s friend who is an empty Nestor post marked 12-22 who does not work.

I guess while I am taking down tree and decorations I will feel special getting late cards. Like getting a Valentine’s Day card on February 16th or a Birthday card a week late.

It is like a last minute wedding invite you know you were not originally invited, but too many people said no and they have a minimum at the catering hall so last second the B list gets invited. Isn’t that a warm feeling?

You’re a weirdo. If you don’t like people, don’t send them cards.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is it a passive aggressive thing? Control thing? Just Laziness?

I ask as a few folks year after year mail it so late.

I also go to NY to see family most years and some cousins will be at Xmas with us and when I get back home to the DMV the card is there. Why mail it so late that you see me in person at Xmas before I get the card? I get folks are busy we all been there. But I had one person mail literally a card that is a Christmas card I get it after Xmas every year the last 30 years!! I usually have taken down cards by then so awkward.

One year my wife and I had a lot of things going on Illness, death of my mother and paired down list and did not mail the late people as we assumed only sending us a card since we sent one to them. Guess what they still came. Usually day after Xmas.

Why do they do it? Two are now literally empty nesters and retired. So they have time.

It's definitely a passive aggressive thing. I send out cards in batches: the folks I like best get theirs by Dec. 14, second tier by Dec. 25 and, well, the rest maybe by New Year's. Maybe folks just don't like you very much?

^PP, you are kinda jerky.

[Anonymous]

For you folks who have not yet mailed a card. After today please don’t do it. You already hurt enough people.

We have moved on and realize you don’t care, you have a bad marriage or are deeply disturbed and your twisted mind plays control games at the expensive of those who love you.

The next week card is just salt in the wound. The explanation point of I don’t care.

Like my brother in law married a girl my MIL did not approve of and every Xmas she twists the knife no matter how my mil tries to be nice, backing out of Xmas invites last minute, late cards after New Years. Even better the classic she used actual Xmas party pictures at her house on the late card to dig knife knife deeper to make sure mil knew she had a party and was not invited.

You weaponized Christmas. Long Slow clap.

[Anonymous]

I had plans to get them out and then I had a major miscarriage, surgery, etc. Of course no one would know that. Perhaps grace would be good.

[Anonymous]

Depressed. I see them sitting there. Now I know it is better not to send them at all, rather than have them go out late.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Depressed. I see them sitting there. Now I know it is better not to send them at all, rather than have them go out late.

Don’t follow rules set by emotionally damaged people. Most of us know that Christmas is a season not a day and take joy in hearing from friends and loved ones at any time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For you folks who have not yet mailed a card. After today please don’t do it. You already hurt enough people.

We have moved on and realize you don’t care, you have a bad marriage or are deeply disturbed and your twisted mind plays control games at the expensive of those who love you.

The next week card is just salt in the wound. The explanation point of I don’t care.

Like my brother in law married a girl my MIL did not approve of and every Xmas she twists the knife no matter how my mil tries to be nice, backing out of Xmas invites last minute, late cards after New Years. Even better the classic she used actual Xmas party pictures at her house on the late card to dig knife knife deeper to make sure mil knew she had a party and was not invited.

You weaponized Christmas. Long Slow clap.

This is turning into one of the best threads ever! Completely bonkers

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For you folks who have not yet mailed a card. After today please don’t do it. You already hurt enough people.

We have moved on and realize you don’t care, you have a bad marriage or are deeply disturbed and your twisted mind plays control games at the expensive of those who love you.

The next week card is just salt in the wound. The explanation point of I don’t care.

Like my brother in law married a girl my MIL did not approve of and every Xmas she twists the knife no matter how my mil tries to be nice, backing out of Xmas invites last minute, late cards after New Years. Even better the classic she used actual Xmas party pictures at her house on the late card to dig knife knife deeper to make sure mil knew she had a party and was not invited.

You weaponized Christmas. Long Slow clap.

I think you need help. Cards are not weapons. I send 150+ cards every year and we get maybe 50? I don’t care. It brings me joy and I know lots of people who just can’t be bothered or don’t want to send cards. Their decision is not about me, it’s about them. They still like getting my card - because they tell me so. I highly doubt anyone cares if it arrives December 15th or January 4th.

One year our photographer had a family tragedy and we got our September pics back after Thanksgiving.
One year Minted lost our cards that we ordered Nov 1 and they didn’t arrive until December 18th!
One year I had a baby in late November and we wanted to put him on the card.

Please get over yourself and your self-centered victim mentality the idea that other people’s choices and actions are directed at you and done with you in mind. I guarantee 80% of actions you perceive as weaponized at you are not about you at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Depressed. I see them sitting there. Now I know it is better not to send them at all, rather than have them go out late.

Send your cards! The normal people — the people you actually want to stay connected with— will welcome them and enjoy receiving your holiday greetings whenever they arrive.

One of my favorite moments of the season is when, sometime between Dec 26 and January 1, I sit down with a cup of something hot and go through the holiday cards. Most I have already opened, but in the pre-Christmas rush likely just glanced at before putting in the basket. Some are just arriving. I take time to read through all, to asses how much the kids have grown, who they look like this year, what their outfits and smiles say about who they are becoming.
I would welcome your card, and appreciate the time and effort you took to send it despite being busy.
Happy holidays.

[Anonymous]

Cards are best sent right before Christmas or after, to celebrate the "season", which lasts until January. Otherwise you're sending a St Nicholas cards (Dec 6) or Advent card.

[Anonymous]

This is insanity, you know where my cards are? All with me, and my list, and stamps waiting to be addressed. I’ll try to get them in the mail on Monday. If they don’t explicitly say Merry Christmas” do they count as New Year’s Cards? People have work and families and obligations…it doesn’t matter to me if you send me a card in January. I’ll even open it in June. I’m just happy to hear from friends and family.

[Anonymous]

Who cares? At least they thought enough to send you a card!