Your support helps us tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to big tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the finances of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word,’ which shines a light on American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know the importance of analyzing the facts of messaging. .
At such a critical moment in American history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to continue sending journalists to tell both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to block Americans from our reporting and analysis with a paywall. We believe that quality journalism should be available to everyone, and paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes a difference.
Iit’s that time of year again. When you search WhatsApp for ‘address’ and ‘postal code’ and ‘new house’, in an attempt to find full addresses for your nearest and dearest.
Because who has a physical address book anymore? And even if it is, when was the last time you updated it? Probably not in the 12 months since you last performed the same search – anything you can send Christmas congratulations to your loved ones.
If that’s you, then I salute you for keeping the tradition of sending Christmas cards alive.
In 2023, we sent 91.5 million individual Christmas cards, specially selected for friends and family, according to the Greeting Card Association. And this figure does not include the multiple packages of Christmas cards that many people, including myself, buy.
But there are fears increase in postage will refuse people to send cards this Christmas.
Not-for-profit retailer Cards for Good Causes partners with more than 70 fundraising charities. Its chief executive Christine Ansell says: “We rely on people buying and sending cards, especially over the Christmas period.
“In addition to adversely affecting our ability to raise funds for charity, the increase in the price of stamps, combined with a reduction in the supply of second class stamps, could worsen social isolation and loneliness.”
I agree. Sending a Christmas card – or any card – is a simple act with a big reward. It’s a bonding tool that says: ‘I care’, ‘I’m thinking of you’, ‘You matter to me’.
I asked people who stopped sending Christmas cards why. It all comes down to two things – time and money.
I get it – sending Christmas cards takes time. There’s a lot to consider: How many people do I send the card to? How many cards should I buy? When will I post the cards? HOW MUCH does a first class stamp cost?!
Ah yes, the price of stamps. In 2024, the price of a first-class stamp increased from £1.25 to £1.35 in April and then by reducing inflation by 22 per cent to £1.65 in October.
Can you believe that a first class stamp used to cost just 70 pence? And no, I’m not talking about the old days – that was 2019. The price hikes are wild.
In this context, it’s easy to see why people would cross ‘send Christmas cards’ off their to-do list as a time-consuming and expensive activity.
But it can be done in a timely and cost-effective manner. Trick? Being organized.
How to send Christmas cards – saving time and money
1. Make a list and check it twice: As in, decide who you want to send the card to so you know how many cards and stamps to buy. And be ruthless with your list. Sarah Goddard, 37, a self-employed charity fundraising consultant in London, says: “We’re all time-poor and if you can’t send a card to everyone, send it to one of them. For example, yours friends who live alone or live at a distance or with whom you have not been in touch for a long time or who are going through a difficult period – make it a priority to open a card for them in the post. If you send a card to three or four friends from your wider friendship group, those are still three or four moments of human connection, people whose days you will brighten and bring a smile to their face.”
2. Buy multiple cards: The average price of a single Christmas card in 2023 was £1.94, according to the Greeting Card Association. Not a big expense at all. But to save time and money, buy your cards in multiple packs. I bought my Christmas card packs from British Heart Foundationbecause the charity supported someone close to me this year. They have card packs starting at £4.00 for eight cards.
3. Take another class. Second class stamp it costs 85p – a bargain compared to a whopping £1.65 for first class. This year I am sending 18 cards. Sending 18 cards first class would cost £29.70. Choosing second class will cost £15.30. That’s a saving of £14.40 which will cover the cost of a few Christmas drinks with people I see in person.
‘I made a New Year’s resolution to send cards’
Keziah Hunt-Earle, 35, head of finance at a travel firm, says: “I started sending cards as New Year’s resolution one year. I’m not good at keeping in touch on my phone, so sending cards for big occasions with a matching life update is a way to show I care.
“So many of my friends now say they look forward to getting my cards because I write the whole message. And since I started being a letter card sender, I now get cards with longer messages from friends and family, which I love.
“As far as costs go, if your friend or family member isn’t worth an 85p stamp and a couple of pounds on a card, are you really that close to them? Yes, it’s expensive to buy and send lots of cards, so I don’t send one to everyone I know, but it’s totally worth the money to share the news and seasonal greetings with my closest friends and family.”
PS: E-tickets. Just say no.
Talia Loderick is a money coach (talialoderick.co.uk)