Over at My Merry Christmas we have started collecting names and addresses for our annual Christmas card exchange. This lively event has become an annual tradition. If managed right you can enjoy the revived art of getting LOTS of Christmas cards in the mail. It adds not only a lot of excitement at the mail box but it provides an element of decorating to your home as well.

I just updated the list of forum users who have signed up so far. Last year we had about 100 names on the list. And after a month of taking names we’re already up to 31 names — and it is still early August. Last year there was a flurry of additions at the last minute. So I think we will easily beat last year’s record.

But already I have had some folks email me some questions. Let me go through them one by one:

1. I don’t know most of these people! Do I have to send them all a card?

Nope. You don’t. In fact, if you want to get more cards from people you should be active on the forums so they get to know you. For others, there is a cost factor. Some of these folks live internationally. For many, sending out that many cards is a burden. Nobody should feel compelled — this is a fun event and should be kept that way.

2. Do I really want cards from total strangers?

You’ll be surprised how enjoyable it is to get cards from people you don’t know well. To see their taste in just selecting a card to send is interesting. To receive pictures or copies of family newsletters is also fun.

3. Is there a right way to do this?

Yes. First, be active on the forums. Get to know people.

Second, send cards early. Usually, getting your cards prepped and ready to send before Thanksgiving is a good idea. Generally speaking, the more cards you send early, the more cards you will receive.