Holiday Paper Cards vs. Electronic Cards

With the holiday season here, we had recently put up the lights at our house, the tree, and got most of the shopping done. Phew… feels good to get things done. But why do I still have that feeling something got overlooked? Didn’t I get to everything? Oh yes, those pesky greeting cards. Looking at the stack of dusty cards on my desk doesn’t exactly motivate me. Can’t I just not send anything this year? I had a chat with some friends about sending a paper greeting card versus an electronic card. Which is better? In this digital age, it’s tempting to just send out something that’s created online. I still wonder how many folks out there still send the traditional format with paper cards and how many have embraced the electronic format? I’ve gathered some pros and cons in hopes to help you (and I) decide which is the best choice.

   * Simple and familiar way of sending out a greeting card.

   * Easier and faster for those folks that aren’t computer savvy or don’t have a computer at all.

    * Some enjoy sending and receiving a paper card in the mail and consider it more of a personal touch.

    * Nostalgic and has a traditional holiday feel.

    * Could be expensive if sending out to a large number of recipients.

    * There’s a chance it could get misrouted or damaged from the weather.

    * A daunting task for someone who is mightier with the keyboard.

    * Sometimes finding the right card and envelope can delay the process.

    * Traffic, finding parking, and long lines is the normal scene for procrastinators.

    * Paper cuts aren’t fun – especially on the tongue! Ouch!

    * Environmentally friendly.

    * Some services allow you to schedule the delivery date of your card to arrive at an exact date.

    * Easy to create and fast delivery.

    * You can create your own personalized card for free if you are savvy with photo/illustrator type applications

    * Electronic cards can make it very inexpensive if you are sending a lot of greeting cards at once.

    * Animated style cards are good for those who like to be wowed.

    * No need for an envelope and stamp.

    * Much less of a chance getting misrouted, lost, or damaged by weather.

    * Interactive games can be added for extra fun.

    * Could be a lifesaver for the busy procrastinator.

    * No licking and no paper cuts.

    * Some folks still find it impersonal or not as special as paper cards.

    * With so many e-card services to choose from, which one do I go with?

    * Potential to get spam or unwanted advertisements.

    * Your friends may be unhappy that you gave out their email address.

    * If not personalized or meaningful, your greeting card may look like spam.

In conclusion, whichever format you decide to choose, it’s best to know your intended recipient. There isn’t a one size fits all solution and you can easily do both! Wait, still feeling unmotivated? Here is an inspiring (or at least funny) video to ease your mind and help you get started:

Happy Holidays!

-Isaac Wong, Project Manager