Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be pissed off with people saying 'I am not sending any Christmas card this year, I am donating the money to charity.'

241 replies

chrisinthesun · 20/09/2018 20:29

Hmm

Just admit you can't be arsed to send any.

And is the charity you are supposedly donating to, going to go wild about the 1.99p it would have cost for a box/pack of 50 Christmas cards? 🙄

I suppose some people will come on here and say they send at least 2 dozen cards out by post/abroad etc, and that costs them £50-60 in postage, but most people don't do this. Most people just send them to neighbours, close family, acquaintances, and work colleagues.

As I said, just admit you can't be arsed, and bore off with the sanctimonious 'I am not giving out any Christmas cards this year, I am giving the money to charity' line. (I bet most people who say this, don't even give anything to charity 'instead of sending out Christmas cards.') Wink

OP posts:
CoughLaughFart · 20/09/2018 20:38

Why do you give a toss? And why do you think charities are queuing up to turn down donations? On that basis the British Legion may as well give poppies away for free because the donation is ‘only’ a few pennies.

FuzzyCustard · 20/09/2018 20:39

I think it's rather sad as many people really look forward to cards at Christmas and getting good wishes from people they might not see the rest of the year. Those who are lonely or isolated or have moved away from family and friends appreciate this small gesture.
Giving to charity instead does seem like a 'can't be bothered' excuse. It also inconveniences the non-recipients rather than the non-sender. I'd be a lot more impressed if someone gave up receiving presents and gave that equivalent sum to charity.

pouraglasshalffull · 20/09/2018 20:39

You can buy charity Christmas cards, are they not aware of this?

I suppose its none of your business but will they actually donate the money or are they using it as an excuse to cop out of xmas cards

ChortleFace88 · 20/09/2018 20:41

I just can’t be arsed.

Lots of time and effort spent filling in the cards. Stamps are expensive. For something that people will have on their shelf for a few weeks before sticking in the recycling bin.

Waste of time, effort and money IMO.

CruCru · 20/09/2018 20:42

Gosh, are people already thinking about their Christmas cards? It seems very early.

sachabloom · 20/09/2018 20:43

Those £1.99s add up.... and it's a waste of paper anyway.

Charities will be very grateful actually.

Buzzlightyearsbumchin · 20/09/2018 20:43

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

chantico · 20/09/2018 20:44

Not sending cards is fine.

Saying hat you're doing it for charity is unnecessary and virtue signalling.

MagnaDoodle · 20/09/2018 20:44

I’m not going to bother. I’m just going to buy some wine instead.

Original poster
chrisinthesun · 20/09/2018 20:45

@FuzzyCustard

I think it's rather sad as many people really look forward to cards at Christmas and getting good wishes from people they might not see the rest of the year. Those who are lonely or isolated or have moved away from family and friends appreciate this small gesture.
Giving to charity instead does seem like a 'can't be bothered' excuse.

Yeah this is what I think too. I think (some) people just can't be arsed. Fine, that's up to them, but this 'I am giving the money to charity instead' line does my head in. As I said, I bet they don't give anything anyway!

OP posts:
Vanannabananna · 20/09/2018 20:45

I’m honest and just say I’m not doing them because I don’t want to!

We give them to close friends and family that we see. I’ve got enough to do!

Gingersstuff · 20/09/2018 20:45

I donate £25 every Christmas to one animal charity and one human one. There is an element of can't-be-arsedness but I also cringe at the environmental impact of all the millions of cards that'll go straight in the bin.

Queenofthedrivensnow · 20/09/2018 20:45

It's a choice. Bit virtue signally though ;-)

saganorenscarandcoat · 20/09/2018 20:45

It's a complete waste of time.

hammeringinmyhead · 20/09/2018 20:46

I'd rather have a text on Christmas Day tbh. I basically just send them to the people I also buy presents for! I'm in touch with all my friends via phone and social media anyway.

KC225 · 20/09/2018 20:46

I agree with you OP. Love getting Christmas cards. Happy to send them.

CMOTDibbler · 20/09/2018 20:46

I send cards to 5 people - my parents, 3 aunts/uncles, and someone who is a sort of uncle. I only do this as apart from my parents it is the only contact each year and as my mum can't communicate any more I feel I have to let them know what is happening.
Otherwise I consider it a waste of resources

MagnaDoodle · 20/09/2018 20:47

Cards annoy me. Reams of birthday cards, Christmas cards etc. What for?? Just something else for me to feel guilty about binning. Honestly I’d do away with them altogether

chrisinthesun · 20/09/2018 20:47

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

MagnaDoodle · 20/09/2018 20:48

You...you did read Buzz’s post, right? 😕

Thesnobbymiddleclassone · 20/09/2018 20:48

I'm quite open that I don't send them. They just clog up your house for weeks then clog up the bin!

glagdy · 20/09/2018 20:49

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

ChortleFace88 · 20/09/2018 20:49

Buzz so sorry for your losses Flowers

AccidentallyRunToWindsor · 20/09/2018 20:49

I don't see the point of Christmas cards at all. This year I'm spending the money on more gin.

EmmaC78 · 20/09/2018 20:49

I never send them. Complete waste of money and not good for the environment. There is a charity near me that provides a meal for a homeless person on Christmas day for £5 so I do that instead. If i get Christmas cards they normally go straight in the recycling bin. I would prefer people didn't send them to me.