If you find yourself dreading the holiday card ritual—whether you completely avoid sending them and toss the ones you receive in the trash, or feel compelled to stage perfectly curated family photos that mask your chaos, this piece is for you. For so many, holiday cards add another layer of stress during an already overwhelming and costly season.
Despite knowing that many share our disdain for these cards, we still dress our kids in matching outfits, bribe them with sweets for a smile, and send out these staged family portraits to relatives we rarely connect with. What’s the point? To maintain the façade of a perfect life? (Spoiler alert: most people already see through it.)
Then there are those who opt for a more “realistic” approach—sending out images of screaming toddlers, makeup-free selfies, and chaotic homes. Because that’s the reality of life in 2020, right? “Happy holidays,” the caption might read. “Can we please get the kids back to school in 2021 and let Mom take a break?” Just us?
I don’t bother with Christmas cards. Seriously, who cares what your family is up to? I’d rather send a gift or skip it altogether. Confessional #25810079 resonates with me—maybe one day people will realize that family photo cards aren’t that appealing. I mean, really, their kids aren’t as cute as they think.
The harsh truth is that many recipients of those pricey cards likely toss them in the trash without a second thought. Consider this before you splurge on matching holiday sweaters for that “perfect family photo” next year. The only decent picture I managed of my daughter by the tree was the one where she was glued to the iPad, so I edited a cartoon present into her hands for our card. Confessional #2079953 sums it up well.
I put way too much pressure on myself to create the “ideal” holiday card each year. My family wears matching pajamas, but honestly, it feels pointless. Behind the scenes, my husband and I can hardly stand each other. Confessional #1599359 captures that sentiment perfectly.
Every year, I send beautiful cards, but I despise Christmas itself. I do it to project the image of a perfect homemaker to my family. One day, I might just sign them “Xmas Sucks.” Confessional #1596926 reveals that even with the knowledge that only a few appreciate our efforts, we still chase the “perfect” card, even if it means enduring fights, tears, and an overall sense of fabrication.
The holiday card process gives me anxiety. When I receive one, I feel obligated to reciprocate, but I just don’t see the point! Confessional #8492179 hits the nail on the head. Even though I’m usually pretty relaxed, writing cards sends me into a spiral. What if I misspell something or my message feels lame? It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy. Bring on the cards; let me feel worse!
For many of us, the holiday card tradition only heightens anxiety. We’re already juggling gingerbread houses, cookie baking, and the elf’s nightly antics. We’ve been in our new home for three and a half years now, yet this Christmas, the previous residents received more cards than we did. Confessional #2603396 reveals how isolating it can feel.
I thought I had a solid group of friends until I moved to a small town and received only one card this year. Confessional #1679769 captures that loneliness—sending out 30 cards and getting just one back is tough. Confessional #1677598 echoes that sentiment, emphasizing how receiving fewer cards can make you feel forgotten.
Honestly, the holiday card tradition can amplify feelings of loneliness. Some homes overflow with cards from family and friends, while others barely receive any. There’s nothing worse than being reminded of your solitude during the holidays. I once got a Christmas card from Domino’s, which probably means we ordered too much pizza! Confessional #1597994 is a humorous reminder that not all holiday greetings come from friends.
My only holiday card came from my divorce lawyer, which might say a lot about my social life. Confessional #1763044 highlights a unique twist—my kids are crafting cards for family we can’t see due to COVID. One of them read “Happy Waiting,” which could become our new way of greeting each other. Confessional #25807122 reminds us that whatever cards you send or receive will reflect your year, whether joyful or chaotic.
So, love them or hate them, holiday cards aren’t going anywhere. There’s no shame in skipping the tradition or opting to share updates on social media instead. Whether you send out a lengthy family newsletter or no card at all, do what feels right for you. Remember, the people who love you will appreciate you for who you are, whether your life appears perfectly curated or wonderfully messy.
For more insights, you may want to check out this post about the holiday card tradition. If you’re considering home insemination, Cryobaby is a great resource, along with WebMD, which provides valuable information on pregnancy and home insemination.
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Summary:
Holiday cards can evoke a love-hate relationship for many, adding unnecessary stress during an already busy season. While some strive for the perfect family portrait, others embrace authenticity with candid shots of their chaotic lives. The tradition can often lead to feelings of loneliness and anxiety, as people grapple with expectations and the reality of their social circles. Ultimately, it’s essential to do what feels right, whether that means participating in the card-sending ritual or opting out altogether, as those who truly care about you will appreciate your genuine self.