Am I the only one that misses cards? I turned 75 this month and woke up to 6 birthday emails. Please do not txt I should be lucky to be remembered, etc., this is my grumble. Cards too expensive? Walmart has $1.00 cards. Stamps can now be mailed. I buy my cards through Amazon. Am I hanging onto an old habit? Maybe, but this cannot be blamed on the pandemic. It happened BEFORE the pandemic. Did I grumble all day. NO WAY. I appreciated my flowers and gifts, and who has not chuckled over, ” Let’s celebrate later,” or my favorite, “I’ll be over with your gift.” And that was how many days ago? That night as I blasted Bruce Springsteen and danced like I was 20, I resolved to keep up my relationship with Hallmark.
ElderChicks 
On my birthday early this month, I got about six physical cards, and a bigger number of virtual messages: emails, texts, and greetings on Facebook. Hearing from people on all of these media made me feel quite elated. I still buy store-bought cards for my family, and I enjoy standing in the store, reading the cards until I find one that seems just right. I use the virtual modes, too. I have a paper bag and a desk crammed with greeting cards that I’ve saved, and I’m more likely to turn through them from time to time than to ever reread old greetings online. There used to be specialty stores that sold cards and stationery. Now it’s mostly chains like Target and CVS and supermarkets.
Judy, I have saved my cards through the years too, but for the past few years, I have cut them up and placed them on my wrap presents. The kids love it.
Donna
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Great idea, Donna! Thank you.
You are welcome.
Donna
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You’re absolutely not the only one who misses mailed cards. I have a shoebox filled with lovely cards, sorted by category (birthday, blank, sympathy, thank you, etc). I take great pleasure in choosing the perfect one, adding a note and addressing it. Since we often include a gift cheque, I think our cards are appreciated!
For Christmas this year, I bought a dozen or so big coffee-table art books on various subjects. I chose the most striking pages (with photos on the back and front of the page), trimmed them with a paper cutter and folded into a card. Then I glued a smaller piece of blank paper on the inside back page and added an envelope. Voila – unique greeting cards. Each person on my Christmas list got a package of about 20 cards. I don’t know if they’ll use them, but I sure enjoyed making them.
Ellen, I love this idea. Totally unique and those cards must have created a lot of smiles.
Donna
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Thanks, Donna. Some of the younger recipients seemed a bit puzzled, but hopefully they can use them as gift tags, even if they don’t actually mail them! I should have added that I got the books from our local Rotary Club Book sale, where they sold for a couple bucks each. Beautiful books on underwater life, mountains, vintage costumes, etc.
I concur! Sent out Valentines and received a few. Not as many as I sent. Same with birthday cards. I am culling my December holiday list this year. I detest birthday and FB texts unless a follow up to one that arrives in the mail. Amazon has a range in costs for cards an one can order directly from Hallmark as well. USPS ships stamps.
Sheri, my grandson loves cards, I am hopeful that the tradition continues. Who does not love going to a mailbox and finding a card rather than a bill?
Donna
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I absolutely agree with you, and dancing to the boss is the best🍾🍾🍾🍾
My favorite Cover Me and Dancing in the Dark.
Donna
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I still use greeting cards! Target has a pretty good selection. I miss the old Hallmark stores, though. In the days when there were still malls, the hallmark store was a fun place to hang out. I send them to my kids for holidays and birthdays etc. However, I also use an incredible site : https://www.jacquielawson.com/. It’s worth the subscription–the cards are phenomenal. My kids give me cards for mother’s day etc. and i save them. A hard copy card is something to display and cherish–nothing like it. I do agree, however, less and less people spend the time/money to purchase a real card and send it. The times have changed.
Allison, the times they are a changing, true, but my grandson, 11, loves cards, so hopefully the tradition will not be totally forgotten. Hopefully.
Donna 🌿🌺🌿
Still love greeting cards as well! In fact, I paint watercolors and sometimes when they are ‘good enough’ I turn them into cards and send them out. Hopefully it brings a smile to the receiver’s face.
Kathy, original water color cards! That would not go in my desk or a card box, that would be framed. Great greeting!
Donna
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Who would not smile at such a card!
Over the years, my shoeboxes of saved greeting cards grew too cumbersome. I decided to dispose of them two moves ago. My memory is excellent so I wasn’t
overwhelmed with sentiments of loss. Now I’m relieved to download those good wishes that have been emailed at any moment without straining my back.
I’m still all about me, my favorite subject.
I have totally gotten away from physical cards and send e-cards for occasions. The e-cards have a place for recipient to reply, and I enjoy reading the responses. I don’t miss physical cards.
I still love receiving and sending cards. I have a place to keep ones I treasure.
Linda, me too, always.
Donna
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I also love both sending and receiving cards. And there is nothing like getting a note or a letter in the mail. I am inspired by this column and am going to add letter and card writing to my list of hobbies. Kids especially love getting mail. Always nice to know someone thought enough of you to take the time to mail a card. Also love the on-line cards, but cannot find them for later reminiscence.