The Etiquette of Sending Christmas Cards
What are the pros and cons of sending printed cards versus e-mail cards?
If your only relationship with someone is a digital one, then an e-mail card is fine. If the recipient is family or a flesh-and-blood friend, then a standard card is going to be the best choice.
More than 80% of all correspondence is now electronic, so it makes sense that we should want to express our Christmas wishes by the same means we express ourselves year 'round. That's why e-mail cards are so popular.
The drawback of an e-mail card is its brief lifespan. It has just about as much impact on the recipient as the countless jokes, political musings, and urban legends he or she has received.The recipient is likely to give it less than ten seconds of his or her time before hitting the delete button. It's unlikely that anyone else in the family will ever know about the card, let alone see or read it.
However, for social networking friends and others, an e-mail card makes sense. They also make sense for those serving in the military or living overseas when standard cards might be delayed in the mail.
Money is tight for businesses and families alike. If you want to send Christmas wishes but can't due to budget constraints, don't hesitate to send electronic cards. Just be understanding if it ends up unread in your friend's "Junk Mail" folder.
The benefits of a card sent through standard mail are its longevity and its personal impact. In a sense that card contains your DNA. You addressed and hand-signed it. It might be just a little bit of you, but it's still more personable than an electronic greeting.
Mailed cards usually cause a little excitement or at least curiosity when they arrive. In my house, and yours too, I bet, cards are opened before any other mail. Once opened, cards are left on the kitchen counter or placed in a special spot in the house for all to read and enjoy, prolonging their life, and the good wishes you sent them with.
When is it OK to remove someone from your card list?



















Watching CNBC last week, I learned something that A Wall Street guru pointed out that one in every six jobs in the United States is dependent in some way on the housing market. That's a scary statistic; no wonder the economy is in turmoil. 
How do you know if you're correct to offer your hand?
It seems like it should be simple enough to know when politeness dictates you should stand and when you should remain seated. Not so. It was fairly straightforward fifty years ago, but etiquette evolves to meet the sensibilities and situations of the current generation.
We all know a few constant complainers! Years ago I worked with a co-manager who I'm almost certain will find fault with the weather in Heaven when she arrives.
Not usually. Most people would be mortified to know they're boring you at the moment. If the person is a good friend, and they don't usually drone on like this, sit there and take it with a smile! Your time and attention are gifts of your friendship. In fact, ask him or her questions and keep the conversation going. 
thanks shows them they've been able to impact you (even if just in a little matter) in a positive way. 



We'll be thinking of you and would love to see every photo when you're back from your honeymoon! I'll call the first week of July to plan a night when we can all be together."


2. Inter-office Meetings: Arriving five to ten minutes beforehand is best. This gives you time to find your place, offer to help with last-minute details, and greet coworkers. Arriving more than ten minutes early (unless you're running the meeting) sends a signal that you don't have much on your to-do list.
2. What to do with the toothpicks used in many canapés and crudités baffles lots of us. I've watched men putting them in their pockets (and in potted plants!), women putting them in their purses, and men and women both putting them back on the tray the next time the server circles the room. There is a better way. First, if you're the hostess, plan food that is toothpick-free. (They really are a nuisance.) If you're favorite party food requires toothpicks, make sure to place several receptacles (baskets or trays) around the room. For guests, if there are no receptacles, wrap the toothpicks in your napkin and dispose of them in the nearest trash can or the bathroom wastebasket.











