The joy of Chrismas cards

Call me sentimental, old-school or a dinosaur, but I make no apologies. I still send Christmas cards. I also love receiving holiday cards, especially when it’s from someone I haven’t heard from for a long time.

Sadly, this time-honoured tradition is not what it used to be. Perhaps it’s the inflated price of postage at 85 cents (assuming you purchase stamps in bulk) that has stoppped so many people from mailing Christmas cards. The internet has something to do with it, too.

There are really cool greetings now available that can be emailed to friends, complete with short animated films and music. There are dancing snowmen, spiritual messages, and even some with humour. (The internet greeting featuring mice with flatulence is pretty funny ... unless you’re the mouse.)

People are busy nowadays. Keeping track of addresses and writing the card can be time consuming. Just put on a pot of hot chocolate and throw on the Michael Buble Christmas album and you’ll quickly be in the holiday spirit.

The perfect Christmas card starts with the stamp. The worst thing to do on a holiday or birthday card is to use a postage meter or, almost as bad, a boring stamp with the Parliament buildings or queen’s portrait.

There are NHL hockey heroes, Canada 150th, rock stars, gorgeous art work, and so much more. Canada Post even has a set of stamps honouring Star Trek.

The card itself always requires thoughtful consideration, especially when you buy them by the box.

Many Canadians have stopped mailing cards because of the cost. A stamp and an average-priced card in bulk costs no more than $2.

Are family and friends from out-of-province not worth a toonie once a year?