Not sending xmas cards next year - what to write in this year's ones?

[theladylovescupcakes]

Planning to make a donation to charity next year instead of sending christmas cards, but wanted to write a wee note inside each card explaining why they wouldn't be receiving a card from us next year. Any suggestions what I should write? Have tried a couple of permutations but they just seemed a bit naff.

TIA

Why bother? Don't say anything this year and cross next year's bridge when you come to it.

Why not just write what you have written here:
"I'm planning to make a donation to charity next year instead of sending christmas cards, and just want to explain why you wouldn't be receiving a card from us next year - I'll still be thinking of you" (or somesuch)

I think you need to say something because otherwise people will be left wondering next year whether you have lost their address, or are no longer speaking to them, or have simply decided not to send cards.

Can you send e-mails to everyone next year just so you keep your annual contact and people know you are thinking of them?

That was my concern, acorntree, didn't want to leave people wondering.

I hope you like this card because it's the last one you'll be seeing from me! Writing cards is a right pain in the arse, don't you find?

I gave up sending cards years ago...I get less and less every year but I don't mind.

ha ha pictish! just seems to be another chore on top of the many at christmastime. And i hate having to display them in the house too, they end up falling all over the place, would just rather not bother. Bah humbug!

I wouldn't make reference to it this year as you are expecting people to remember in 12 months time 'oh yes, ladylovescupcakes said she was going to make a charity donation for Xmas 2012' - unreasonable expectation IMO, and you are likely to still end up with people wondering why you forgot them.

Make your charity donation in 2012, and send an email or email xmas cards explaining your decision. It'll be more current than giving them 12 months notice. I might be wrong, but I suspect that some charities will have some kind of online message/e-card option that you can send to your recipients so you can still send Xmas wishes and also inform them of your charity at the same time. I recall doing this for a company Xmas card a few years ago.

Use the next 12 months to make sure your email address book is up to date!

I agree send e-mail cards next year, maybe check your e-mail list now, and put a note in for anyone whose e-mail you don't have, with your e-mail address, asking for an up to date e-mail. Not sure if aged relatives would understand. We manage to reduce our christmas card list by dh forgeting to send his each year and I find them in July.

i agree with the longlife bunny put in your email address and ask that they can send you a quick email, and maybe mention you're planning to upgrade(?) to an emassage next year. Then you could do one festive general email and press send...

I've been ruthless with my card list this year. Feels good actually!