What's the protocol on Christmas cards?

[HistoryMad]

Hi,

I am not from this country (and where I come from Christmas is not a national event), so I was wondering what the protocol is in relation to Christmas cards?

I have some ex-colleagues who are lovely, would it be suitable to post them a Christmas card, or is that a bit OTT? (I am obviously assuming they will be celebrating Christmas?) Also, current colleagues, do people still give Christmas cards? I will be giving cards to my lovely neighbors with some chocolates but I just wanted to check what the norm was, as I don't want to come across like I am trying too hard.

You mean you're now in the UK and wanting to send cards to colleagues also in the UK? If so, I'd say that's absolutely fine, but if you don't actually celebrate Christmas, then don't feel you need to.

It's definitely not trying too hard, I think it's safe to say most people in the UK would celebrate and appreciate a card.

@SingaporeSlinky Thanks, yes in the UK now. When would be the best time to send these? And presumably OK to post to work address?

I'd leave it a few more weeks really, to arrive around mid December, but there aren't any rules, some post earlier. As long as they arrive before people generally leave work for their Christmas break.
And yes, if you're no longer working there, post to the office. If you're giving to current colleagues, just leave it on their desks.

Tbh I would just get them sent now, and then it’s done. I received my first last week!

I save them for people I rarely see but value. Good quality cards are a great way of letting people know that you are thinking about them without actually picking up the phone

This may be a generational thing, in that my mother would always appreciate a Christmas card from anyone, keeps track of who sent each year in order to be she she returns it and and even expresses disappointment of the number she receives drops any year.

By contrast, if any one gives my a card, my first thought is oh, dear, am i going to be trapped into an annual exchange of cards. With email, and social media, the whole purpose to me of exchanging cards has largely died away. I only send one if i receive them, from someone who I don't want to feel that they havn't got one back. Anyone I get to know reasonably well, i float the idea lets not send cards, lets get together instead. Or send photos , ideally electronically.

Sorry 'bout that, OP, its not just that easy...

At your current workplace you could give individual cards, but ...

1. If people are petty then only giving to some would be seen as a snub to others.
2. There might be a convention to put one card on the noticeboard to everyone, rather than individual cards.
3. There might be a convention to pretend to give a charity donation in lieu of cards.

It's definitely worthwhile asking round - perhaps your line manager - to find out what the norm is in your workplace.

Ex-colleagues fine, assuming you have their addresses anyway. NOT if you have to do any detective work to get the address.

In any case, don't send them yet! First week of December is considered prompt/early. People will be exchanging cards right up to Christmas Eve.

Some people just don’t do Christmas cards though so don’t feel you have to. And also they may not give one back but it won’t be personal, it could just be they don’t do any.

I agree about checking what's normal in your workplace, some do, some don't.

Other people it's a nice thing to do, especially if you aren't in frequent contact but would like to stay in touch. Maybe add your email address if they don't have it so you can keep in touch that way in future. I still send quite a lot but no problem if I don't get one back, I know many people don't do them any more.