Graduation cards / announcements - is this a thing in DC?

[Anonymous]

Emily Post has covered HS graduation announcements. They perfectible acceptable to mail out.

However, one is not on an obligation to send a gift. However, she wrote it is nice to give well wishes to the student.

My older child when we sent out announcements my aunt texted wife when she got announcement middle daughter. She asked for daughters cell number and called her to wish her well and she told her all bout het college major. There was no gift involved.

And for haters. My last living grandaunt in Europe through marriage I sent ever Xmas card and announcement to even though she never responded. I knew not on internet and husband dead and no kids, she is now dead but I visited her briefly before she died for tea and to my suprise the 90 year old women kept ever picture, had the latest ones on fridge. Even out communion pictures in frame. She said she felt like she watched my kids grow up from afar and always told her neighbors about her American nieces.

So perhaps that why people do it. That women I never knew it made her so happy. And my wives uncle is in a nursing home we send him cards to nursing home. Of course he can’t respond. But my MIL called him and he just got my daughters HS graduation announcement week before and he enjoyed looking at it and said he put his nieces picture by his bed

I don’t give a shit most of you think it is a cash grab.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Emily Post has covered HS graduation announcements. They perfectible acceptable to mail out.

However, one is not on an obligation to send a gift. However, she wrote it is nice to give well wishes to the student.

My older child when we sent out announcements my aunt texted wife when she got announcement middle daughter. She asked for daughters cell number and called her to wish her well and she told her all bout het college major. There was no gift involved.

And for haters. My last living grandaunt in Europe through marriage I sent ever Xmas card and announcement to even though she never responded. I knew not on internet and husband dead and no kids, she is now dead but I visited her briefly before she died for tea and to my suprise the 90 year old women kept ever picture, had the latest ones on fridge. Even out communion pictures in frame. She said she felt like she watched my kids grow up from afar and always told her neighbors about her American nieces.

So perhaps that why people do it. That women I never knew it made her so happy. And my wives uncle is in a nursing home we send him cards to nursing home. Of course he can’t respond. But my MIL called him and he just got my daughters HS graduation announcement week before and he enjoyed looking at it and said he put his nieces picture by his bed

I don’t give a shit most of you think it is a cash grab.

No, Emily Post did not say it is okay to send a grad announcement. She said, “ It is an etiquette myth that if you receive a graduation announcement you must send a gift. Announcements do not equal invitations to a graduation. You are not obligated to give a gift, although you may choose to do so. Whether or not you send a present, a card or note of congratulations is always appreciated.” There was zero condoning of it.

Why couldn’t your European relative just gotten a pic? And Southern Living says never send a grad announcement to someone your kid won’t recognize in person, which would include this aunt. And how many people in your life are you sending these to that you think kept it? Do you keep them?

Keep doing it. You are not alone. But no need to justify it…it is a gift grab.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We did them. Our family does them (southern). Didn’t get nor expect money.

+1

It’s like a Christmas card for us, just sharing happy news.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Tacky money grab in the days of social media announcing your kid’s college choice to family. Surprisingly, I get them from people in California and Arizona. In DC it is considered gauche.

It’s a mailed card. Opposite of social media.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Emily Post has covered HS graduation announcements. They perfectible acceptable to mail out.

However, one is not on an obligation to send a gift. However, she wrote it is nice to give well wishes to the student.

My older child when we sent out announcements my aunt texted wife when she got announcement middle daughter. She asked for daughters cell number and called her to wish her well and she told her all bout het college major. There was no gift involved.

And for haters. My last living grandaunt in Europe through marriage I sent ever Xmas card and announcement to even though she never responded. I knew not on internet and husband dead and no kids, she is now dead but I visited her briefly before she died for tea and to my suprise the 90 year old women kept ever picture, had the latest ones on fridge. Even out communion pictures in frame. She said she felt like she watched my kids grow up from afar and always told her neighbors about her American nieces.

So perhaps that why people do it. That women I never knew it made her so happy. And my wives uncle is in a nursing home we send him cards to nursing home. Of course he can’t respond. But my MIL called him and he just got my daughters HS graduation announcement week before and he enjoyed looking at it and said he put his nieces picture by his bed

I don’t give a shit most of you think it is a cash grab.

No, Emily Post did not say it is okay to send a grad announcement. She said, “ It is an etiquette myth that if you receive a graduation announcement you must send a gift. Announcements do not equal invitations to a graduation. You are not obligated to give a gift, although you may choose to do so. Whether or not you send a present, a card or note of congratulations is always appreciated.” There was zero condoning of it.

Why couldn’t your European relative just gotten a pic? And Southern Living says never send a grad announcement to someone your kid won’t recognize in person, which would include this aunt. And how many people in your life are you sending these to that you think kept it? Do you keep them?

Keep doing it. You are not alone. But no need to justify it…it is a gift grab.

What nonsense. Emily Post didn’t need to address whether it’s socially acceptable because it’s assumed to be a tradition already and thus acceptable. Southern Living provides exact guidelines for when to mail them - because again, they are a perfectly acceptable tradition.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Emily Post has covered HS graduation announcements. They perfectible acceptable to mail out.

However, one is not on an obligation to send a gift. However, she wrote it is nice to give well wishes to the student.

My older child when we sent out announcements my aunt texted wife when she got announcement middle daughter. She asked for daughters cell number and called her to wish her well and she told her all bout het college major. There was no gift involved.

And for haters. My last living grandaunt in Europe through marriage I sent ever Xmas card and announcement to even though she never responded. I knew not on internet and husband dead and no kids, she is now dead but I visited her briefly before she died for tea and to my suprise the 90 year old women kept ever picture, had the latest ones on fridge. Even out communion pictures in frame. She said she felt like she watched my kids grow up from afar and always told her neighbors about her American nieces.

So perhaps that why people do it. That women I never knew it made her so happy. And my wives uncle is in a nursing home we send him cards to nursing home. Of course he can’t respond. But my MIL called him and he just got my daughters HS graduation announcement week before and he enjoyed looking at it and said he put his nieces picture by his bed

I don’t give a shit most of you think it is a cash grab.

No, Emily Post did not say it is okay to send a grad announcement. She said, “ It is an etiquette myth that if you receive a graduation announcement you must send a gift. Announcements do not equal invitations to a graduation. You are not obligated to give a gift, although you may choose to do so. Whether or not you send a present, a card or note of congratulations is always appreciated.” There was zero condoning of it.

Why couldn’t your European relative just gotten a pic? And Southern Living says never send a grad announcement to someone your kid won’t recognize in person, which would include this aunt. And how many people in your life are you sending these to that you think kept it? Do you keep them?

Keep doing it. You are not alone. But no need to justify it…it is a gift grab.

You do know the Graduation announcement is pictures. Her in Gown, a few fun pictures. And I sent it after Graduation so no expectation to come to a party etc. Kinda nuts to mail random pictures to people. And my Aunts uncle does not speak English or use a computer. She included a handwritten note in his language on whats going on.

No different sending him Baptism picture, Communion picture, College Graduaton. If I was cash grabbing would only send it to people who give gifts.

BTW my one Aunt her rule is No announcement card or party no gift and no thank you note in the mail from kid no gift next year. Thats her rule. Not my job to change her style. Like you think you can about people sending out announcment cards.

[Anonymous]

OP here, that is such a sweet story about your distant aunt putting the photos on the fridge; I have an older aunt in Europe and also found pictures from the past on the wall; it is very sweet. Bless you for giving this lady the joy of these updates over the years, and feeling a little less isolated/alone in this world.

I don't see it as a cash grab verses not, I think most of us on this forum don't care or want for much materially -- I see it as sentimental -- if anything, the primary reason I would feel self-conscious sending one out (in the US, at least) is if it is perceived as "bragging" about where my kid is going to college, etc.....

[Anonymous]

It's just a happy announcement. Decent people will look upon it kindly and insecure judgmental types will do what they always do which is criticize, gossip and panic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's just a happy announcement. Decent people will look upon it kindly and insecure judgmental types will do what they always do which is criticize, gossip and panic.

Decent people = those that agree with you

insecure judgmental people who criticize, gossip and panic= those that don't

Since you're criticizing and judging pretty harshly, are you decent?

[Anonymous]

Lots of Monsters on here. Look it is ok to send out announcements, have parties. Celebrate events for your kids.

Why be parents if you don't feel that way? And what type of Uncle or Aunt, Cousin, Grandparent, Best friend are you if you don't want to know what your Nephew, Niece, GodChild, Grandkids big life events.

It is not about you. And would it kill you people to open card, smile and shoot a text to kid or parent thank for card, tell your kid congratulations. No check is needed.

If anyone sends me an announcement I am more than happy to buy a card, send it to kid, put a $100 check in it. I know most people wont even aknowledge it. It makes the kid happy.

And do you really think my Niece going to a school costing my sister $200,000 my hundred bucks makes a difference? No it is symbolic shows I care and maybe Niece can get some Starbucks or Cava out of it

[Anonymous]

Yes, sending high school graduation announcements is generally considered good taste and a respectful way to share a significant milestone with friends, family, and those who have supported the graduate. It's a traditional way to acknowledge their achievement and allow those on the recipient list to celebrate with you.
Elaboration:
Who to send them to:
Typically, you'd send announcements to people who would be on your holiday card list or those the graduate personally knows. This includes extended family, close friends, teachers, mentors, and religious leaders who have influenced the graduate.
Timing:
Graduation announcements are traditionally mailed after the graduation ceremony, typically within one day to two weeks of the event.
What to include:
The announcement should include the graduate's name, the high school name, the graduation year, and any relevant honors or achievements. You can also include a senior picture.
Purpose:
The primary purpose of an announcement is to share the news of the graduation, not to request gifts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, sending high school graduation announcements is generally considered good taste and a respectful way to share a significant milestone with friends, family, and those who have supported the graduate. It's a traditional way to acknowledge their achievement and allow those on the recipient list to celebrate with you.
Elaboration:
Who to send them to:
Typically, you'd send announcements to people who would be on your holiday card list or those the graduate personally knows. This includes extended family, close friends, teachers, mentors, and religious leaders who have influenced the graduate.
Timing:
Graduation announcements are traditionally mailed after the graduation ceremony, typically within one day to two weeks of the event.
What to include:
The announcement should include the graduate's name, the high school name, the graduation year, and any relevant honors or achievements. You can also include a senior picture.
Purpose:
The primary purpose of an announcement is to share the news of the graduation, not to request gifts.

-1,000,000

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here - thanks for all the replies! I have not gotten any from DC or NY friends - part of me loves the idea of the tradition - old school printed stationary, etc - like I love holiday cards - but i guess maybe for next kid can send more limited distro as a pic to family that relatives can put on their fridge or desk or what not as a keepsake?

Other than grandma, how many relatives are you doing this for? It will still look like a gift grab if you send a photo of the kid in a cap and gown or in new college gear.

Keepsake? Who is keeping this other then you ans grandma ??

This is exactly it. In 2023, my mil(who has since passed away) couldn’t believe I was not sending them to their side of the family. I had some inexpensive ones printed, put date of graduation, name of college attending. This was for out of town family, a very few older friends.

[Anonymous]

We’ve received them. We’ve never sent a gift but we have sent congratulatory texts. I think they’re nice, like a holiday card. If you don’t like them or want to receive them, be sure to reach out to parents with soon-to-be-grads and let them know they’re a gift-grabbing gauche family.

See? You wouldn’t have the balls to do it so just receive the card, smile, send a text and move on with your life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We did them. Our family does them (southern). Didn’t get nor expect money.

+1

It’s like a Christmas card for us, just sharing happy news.

Yes