Real Christmas

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.

For months Santa has been sponsoring a contest to help name his sleigh this year — but now we’ve found an even more interactive way to help Santa around the world this year. PimpMySleigh.com is a nifty little flash game that allows you to actually design Santa’s sleigh, from the color of the runners to your personally designed co-pilot in the drivers seat. You can send Santa out in style!

The game provides dozens of design options with colors, racing strips, hood ornaments and spoilers. When you’re done you can save the game, send it to others and feature it in an online gallery.

In a world that has corporate entities scared to mention or touch anything Christmas, we’re actually thrilled to see this kind of holiday spirit from sponsoring companies. PimpMySleigh.com is, appropriately, presented by a car insurance company and is a great little diversion as you count down the days to Santa’s launch.