Card Etiquette

[jfulle5]

If someone sends you a card (Christmas, birthday, etc.) What is the proper way to respond? Do you send back a card or maybe a phone call or nothing at all? I'm just not sure if acknowledgement is necessary in a card situation.

Thanks!

[Verruca]

I don't believe that strict etiquette requires any acknowledgement for a card - someone will correct me if I'm wrong, I hope - but I do generally reciprocate winter holiday cards with one of my own. 

I don't usually acknowledge other types of cards, but I play it by ear - if I'm really touched by the person's thinking of me, or if it's someone I want to catch up with, or someone who I think would appreciate a note in return, then I'll get in touch (e-mail, phone, short note) and use "Thank you so much for remembering me!" as my opener.

[Chocolate Cake]

With regard to Christmas cards received, I think that it is proper to acknowledge it in some way either by sending them a card of your own, a phone call or an email.    If you choose not to respond at all, year after year, don't be surprised if the sender decides to mark you off their mailing list.

I don't feel that a birthday card needs an immediate acknowledgment, but it would be nice if you respond by sending that person a birthday card when their time comes.

[Lisbeth]

I believe that it's not necessary to follow up receipt of a card with a note or another card, although it's a nice thing to do.  I usually send cards to anyone who has sent me one in the past year, although I didn't this year on the High Holy Days because I was working overtime and just didn't have the time or energy to deal with it.