How to Slim a Christmas Card List

When you sit down to write your Christmas cards and wonder if some of the people on your list are receiving them or even having trouble remembering who you are, it might be time to downsize. Not only will you save money, but you'll also be able to make the remaining cards that you do send even more festive and meaningful.

Instructions

1. Sit down with your family to go over your Christmas card list. Ask everyone to eliminate anyone who they haven't talked to in years, including colleagues from previous jobs, former teachers or neighbors you lived by several houses ago, for example.

2. Make a deal with friends and family members that you see often to stop exchanging cards since you'll be getting together during the holidays anyway. If you can catch up during a dinner together, for instance, you can share any news that you'd be writing in your cards.

3. Talk to other budget-conscious friends or those that you also exchange gifts with about cutting out Christmas cards to save on postage. If you all stop at the same time, no one will feel guilty about it.

4. Consider cutting people who you've been sending cards but who never send cards in return. If they're not in the habit of sending Christmas cards, chances are they won't miss yours if you stop. Conversely, cut out the cards you're sending just because the person sends you one. If you stop sending the holiday greeting out of pure obligation, eventually they'll stop, as well.

5. Analyze the people who you send cards to that only get your signature as opposed to a heartfelt greeting or update on your family. If you don't have anything to say to them, perhaps they don't require a card.