Will you send Christmas cards this year in view of postal strikes and increased postage costs?

The custom of sending Christmas cards was started in the UK in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole. He was a civil servant who helped set up the new ‘Public Record Office’ (now called the Post Office) and wondered how it could be used more by ordinary people.

Ever since the British people have been sending Christmas cards to old friends and family to reconnect and spread Christmas cheer.

But in 2022 with the increasing cost of postage, the uncertainty of postal strikes, the element of wanting to be kinder to the planet, and the ease with which greetings can be sent via social media some believe the days of sending Christmas cards are numbered.

A 48-hour strike affecting the discount shopping day known as Black Friday was called for 24 and 25 November.

Further action will follow on 30 November and 1 December.

Another wave of strikes is planned for 9, 11, 14, 15, 23 and 24 December – some of the busiest days for pre-Christmas deliveries.

Reports suggest that the older generation, who traditionally would contact old friends each year, is being put off by postage costs, and the younger generation, which does everything online, isn’t interested in sending a physical card.

What are your views? Do you enjoy receiving Christmas cards? Have you always sent Christmas cards to friends and family? Is this a tradition that you will continue? Do you prefer to donate the equivalent money to charity? Or have times changed and so have your Christmas card sending habits?