Claire - I can "identify/relate" to nearly all you have written. Fasting (no one should know), secular denial, anti-commercialism, silence, thankfulness for the bounty bestowed.

For me ... frequently, cards are not sent until February - frequently July, and sometimes even August. Many, many times the cards are not opened until Summer and a responce given.

ONLY, this year, has it occured to ....to pull out the paper-cutter....remove the pretty-pictures and return them at the postcard rate with message attached and donate the remainder to the Salvation Army.

I will try it. Cards have not yet been sent. Maybe, send last year's pictures and see if they recognize?

Sincerely,
Gargoyle