Should I continue to send Christmas Cards to family members that don't respond?

Question

I have a few family members that I know for a fact send out Cristmas cards. For the past 2 years I have sent them cards and they did not respond and send me one. I don't know what their problem is and if I should be the bigger person continue to send them cards or if I should be just as rude as they are and not send them anymore. (Wouldn't this just show them that it bothered me that they didn't send me a card though?) I used to be really close to these family members and don't know what their problem is. What would you do?

Answer 1

I think 2 years with no response is enough of a kick in the ***. Don't give them the satisfaction of receiving something from you without responding in kind. Let it go for now, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Maybe they need you to be more unattainable.

Answer 2

If someone doesn't even acknowledge you with a thank you for the gifts I would stop. I wouldn't stop because you don't get a card or gift in return because that isn't what Christmas is all about. However not a thank you is rude and poor ettiquette. However you did mention that they may be saying it to your husband. I think it was great for you to tell your husband to shop for them that was the perfect response. I am wondering what you said to him when he asked what you were sending them this year? I hope you stood your guard. If you didn't then I would just tell him that each year your shop for them and don't know if the gift has be received, if they like it or even if they have thanked him. You spend alot of time and effort each year finding the right gift for them for it to go unaknowledged. Tell him that this year if you don't hear a thank you then you won't be continuing it. You have alot of things to do and if wants to send gift to his family then he needs to do that because he knows them better then you do in terms of shopping for them and knowing if the gift was received. You in turn will shop for your side of the family. However regardless of your effort with the card. I would send still send out the card. Do you write a generic letter or a personalized one? If generic slip it in....if it's personalized stop it and just give a phone call. It's quicker to update them on your lives or again tell your husband to do that. Your not doing it to be spiteful not sending cards and presents you doing it because there is no appreciation for it. If he says you are doing it to be spiteful say "NO" I'm doing it because I am very busy and it goes unnoticed and underappreciated. If he wants to continue it's up to him. Good Luck. Your not in the wrong here. What did he do before you got married????

Answer 3

Christmas is not about counting cards. It's more than that.

If you want to maintain a semblance of a relationship with them, then continue to send them a card. If you don't want to, then stop sending cards, especially if Christmas is the only time you communicate with them.

I would not call them rude, but lazy. Increasingly, people don't RSVP to parties or weddings. Is it rude or bad manners? Maybe. Calling them lazy is more charitable. I just think that people think of themselves first, and others are further down the list.

If you decide to not send them a card, take the 39 cents postage and $1 you would have spent on the card and give it to your favorite charity - you will feel better and will have done a good thing for someone in need.

Answer 4

I think you should still send them a card, and perhaps mention something about hoping to hear from them sometime. If you used to be close with them, they might feel bad about having not sent you a card for the past two years - they might think that after not sending you one the first time that you got mad at them and only sent the next one because you felt you had to. Depending on how outgoing they are, that might make them afraid to send another, or something. I know it doesn't seem to make a lot of sense, but that's how people work sometimes.

Good luck.

Answer 5

A few years ago, I brought a really cool pad of paper that's used for Christmas card lists. You write down everyone you're sending a card to, and then there are check boxes next to each one. Check off which people you have received cards from. Give them the benefit of the doubt for one year, but if two years go by and you don't get a card, then stop sending them one.

And at the bottom of the list, add the names of the people who sent you a card but who weren't on your initial card list.

Answer 6

Firstly, who are you doing it for. Them or you? If the answer is for them, then stop, if the answer if for you because you like to, enjoy it and don't care to have it reciprocated, then continue. Many people do not send cards anymore, and never have to begin with. So, ask yourself that question. If you wish to stop, use the money spent on charity or a surprise gift for someone in need. If anyone asks, then you can reply with what you have done instead and replace it with an e-mail card and include the info that in lieu of a card you spent it on charity. Merry Christmas.

Answer 7

I would continue to send cards, let them know I am thinking about them.

Answer 8

you should continue to send cards out.my mom always gets christmas cards and doesnt responde. i don't think she does that to be rude. i always ask her if she will ever responde to people that ssend her cards she says "i will" but doesn't..shes not the type to send out cards and do stuff like that. you should write "write back" or something to give them a hint.=)

Answer 9

just send them a card, if you really want to.

Answer 10

I wouldn't send them one anymore.