In Lieu of Holiday Cards

December 4, 2008 · Comments

Batman Swoops In It’s that time of year where people start asking where they might mail me a holiday card, and so, I’m going to try and head you off at the pass. The sentiment is lovely, and I’m grateful that you’d want to think of me and reach out in a personal and real world way like that. Thanks for being here with me all year, for commenting and joining in the conversation here. Thanks for just saying hi and telling me you’re liking what I have to say.

But, instead of holiday cards, could I ask a favor? Would you be willing to read Beth Kanter’s blog post about the Give List, and about some really innovative ways to donate things you already have but might be able to do without to charities?

Or

Buy Glenda Watson Hyatt’s Best Of Volume 1, which will support dinner for 100 people, and give you a selection of the Left Thumb Blogger’s best writing. (This brilliant woman writes every blog post with a single thumb. Meet Glenda some day at an event.)

And then, if you want to reach out in some personal way to me for a holiday card of sorts, maybe just write a blog post or post a flickr picture, or shoot a quick video, and say hi to me that way. I’ll try to say hi back, and wish you a happy holiday, too.

Fair?

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  • Thanks for sharing Beth's Give List. It's an inspired aggregate of ideas on Giving. I'm going to have to share it with my readers too. But I can't help it, I'm a holiday card junkie! I can't afford to send one to everyone in my online community but please consider the sentiment no less sincere. So here's mine to you... Enjoy the holidays, Chris...
    http://mymommymanual.com/wp-content/uploads/200...
  • I'll be sending most of my personal Christmas Cods via email, but I'm still selling the paper variety. But Beth's article will help me find ways to give I hadn't thought about.
  • I love this! Now this is something I can do. Never did get around to doing the holiday card mailing thing. Be on the look out for picture hellos, and Christmas greetings.

    I usually do virtual cards for people far away. This time will do something to help the greater good. Thanks Chris. When are you coming to Houston again?
  • What a great idea! Thanks, Chris. Will do my part to spread the word.
  • Just a quick thanks for sharing the givelist word.
  • eclombardo
    Well, first of all let me say I love your suggestions. I think your ideas are great (as always).

    I have two separate "lists". No, not a Naughty and Nice list, although sometimes I feel I should get one, lol. I have my list of friends who I keep in touch "virtually" - I don't think I have to list all the different digital avenues we travel, do I? To these people, I send a digital holiday card I create, with either a poem I write or a famous quote, and I add my own sentiment, which gets mushy, I have to admit.

    My other list contains all my friends and family that I keep in touch with more personally. To them, I hand make cards for them. This year my theme is ice and trees. I start making them this weekend.

    What can I say? Can't expect an Art Director not to actually make stuff, lol.

    ;)
  • Sometimes the "traditions" of the holiday season are more important than the meaning of these traditions. I love that you post these alternate ideas. I just discovered your blog and have really enjoyed reading it.
  • By the way, here's my Christmas card to your good self and and friends :)

    http://www.mypunchbowl.com/ecards/share/85c423e...
  • Tracey Brogan
    Love tha batman coming down into gingerbreadville
  • Irony of the day-- the Google ad in my reader for this post was for....you guessed it!... "large selection of modern and classic cards." Hmmm..
  • I was in the process of buying Glenda's book today (read her blog regularly) and will definitely look at Beth's idea.

    Thanks again for sharing these words - people tend to forget it is the season of giving at times (through no fault of their own). This is a great reminder.
  • Thanks so much for reminding readers what Christmas is all about regardless of one's religious affiliation. Must say that I'm blessed to have a client who just had me ghost his holiday letter informing his clients that the monies for the annual gift baskets (bribes) will be going to charities. Of course I didn't bill for that time!
  • Oh, the tag for givelist is #givelist and you can see the aggregated ideas here
    http://givelist.wordpress.com

    This was put together by colleagues Allison Fine and Marnie Webb
  • Chris,

    Thanks so much! Mark Hayward from Trains for Humanity has kicked his two copies of Triibes for the book give away for charities --

    In addition, next week's social media breakfast in Cambridge will do a food drive for the Boston Food Bank - and there's going to be a social media component to that too - wanted not to just talk about it but also do something

    http://beth.typepad.com/beths_blog/2008/12/on-m...
  • What great ideas Chris. Christmas is all about giving - and this post is a great example of that.

    You have suggested how we can give where our gift will make a difference, and has also revealed that if we do take you up on some of your ideas, it will make a difference to you too. That speaks loudly of the great guy you are.

    I will certainly put one of your suggestions into action!
  • Chris, you are the most generous person I know. I have enjoyed learning from you this past year. Thank you for being who you truly are.
  • You are a man among men, Chris Brogan. :)
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