Oh yeah. When I haven't gotten a card back in three years, I mark that name off my list (except for some elderly relatives who cannot send cards anymore). But, sure as sunshine, every year I get a card from people who I had completely forgotten about. I usually send out about 60 cards per year, but buy 75, in case of crap.

What's bad is when I get a card from someone whom I haven't heard from in, say six or seven years, and there's no return address on their card. I have long ago tossed their Rolodex card into the shredder. Then I have to call around to try to find if anyone else has their address.

Why do I go to this trouble for people I will probably never meet again? Why, tradition! All part of the holiday angst.

My wife and I have a magic solution, we just stopped. All together. I'm not sure anyone has noticed.

I thought about it, but there are some people I only hear from at this time of year. We send a letter in the card and "catch up". Usually old GI buddies. Those and the elder relatives who adore receiving Christmas cards(and birthday and Valentine's Day, etc). One of them, a great aunt in the nursing home, will sit and look at her cards from all occasions until the next year's occasion, and get them out and show visitors. She's a sweet thing and totally harmless and if it makes her happy (along with receiving snail mail letters through the year and a few personal visits) I do it.