The giving of cards around the Christmas holidays, always takes on a dimension all its own. There was a time when I would give them to co-workers and friends in general every year. Then I asked myself, why?

Back in the day, I don’t recall giving cards to the masses when I was in school. I reserved that right for close friends only. However, when I joined the working world, it seemed to be deemed something that was expected of you. If not, well you were looked at as a Grinch and not a team player.

That used to bother me. Key word being used too. Not anymore. What is the real significance anyway of someone handing out a Christmas card to a person they hardly speak with. It became a competition of sorts. Who had the most cards hanging outside of their cubicle?  Some went as far as to bring in their own cards and just put names in them. That became my epiphany. I have so many other things to do at this time of year, that writing out cards to everyone just didn’t have meaning.

Needless to say, I have decided to just stop giving out cards at work entirely. I thank people who give them to me. The fact is I am completely comfortable now not giving them back. If I get one great, but I’m fine if you don’t give me one either. Okay, so maybe now I sound like a Scrooge of sorts. That’s fine. I reserve the right to send cards to those who have a little more meaning in my life.

I finished writing out the generic Christmas cards yesterday. Those are the mass-produced ones placed in boxes for our convenience every year to send to friends close and far. For my immediate family I will look for those special Hallmark cards,the ones with a special message to the people dearest to my heart. Of course, sometimes I don’t get a card back from them either. I have learned to just accept that. They will still get one from me every year though. This is what family does.

My address book gets updated only if there is a death or an address change. I have sent out cards to some of the same people for years. That also got trimmed back recently. It got to a point where I even scratched off some relatives, where the only closeness was blood. If it’s not in the heart, I just don’t bother. It has taken me all these years to realize that.

So since my time is as valuable as those who find it makes them happy to sit and write out cards endlessly to the world, I salute you. It will be appreciated, but just remember, you might not get one from me!