With more and more of the world moving online, it’s valid to wonder if Christmas cards are the next item on the digital chopping block. But don’t say goodbye to your beloved holiday cards just yet.

Across generations, people are divided on whether sending out yearly cards is worth the time, energy, and money. Some say sending and receiving cards is one of their most treasured holiday traditions while others argue sending cards is outdated and unnecessary. Keep reading to learn the pros and cons of sending Christmas cards every holiday season.

Pro Christmas Cards

It’s the Thought That Counts

Contrary to popular belief, Gen Z doesn’t want to make everything digital. Whether handmade or ordered online, mailing holiday cards is a simple and meaningful way to stay up-to-date with your loved ones year after year.

According to a survey of 2,000 adults conducted by OnePoll and Shutterfly, 59% of Gen Z, a largely digital-forward generation, thinks this tradition is best unchanged. Even further, 62% of millennials prefer physical cards over digital ones. 55% of the survey respondents said they also prefer customized holiday cards instead of generic ones.

Cost Not a Concern

One popular argument is that sending Christmas cards is too expensive, but this might not hold much weight for Gen Z. A Harris Poll survey of 2,095 U.S. adults shows Gen Z is leading the way in predicted holiday spending. According to the survey, Gen Zers are estimated to spend $1,638 on holiday gifts compared to $1,268 for millennials and $681 for boomers. Based on the survey results, the cost of the holidays doesn’t seem to be enough to stop the average Gen Z person from splurging on Christmas cards.

Technology Still Has Its Place

And while many generations prioritize sending Christmas cards, that doesn’t mean technology doesn’t play a role in the long-standing holiday tradition. According to the Harris Poll survey, 57% of Americans are utilizing AI to craft holiday cards. And an article by ChatDesk says greeting card companies are implementing specific strategies to reach Gen Z in the digital world and to encourage them to send cards.

In addition to greeting card companies joining TikTok and social media to promote their products, companies like Hallmark offer options to include QR codes on cards that lead to custom videos. Other companies will make a donation to charities for each card purchased from their website.

Against Christmas Cards

Others make sound arguments as to why they believe Christmas cards are on their way out. The efficiency and relevancy of snail mail, the cost of ordering cards, and the time and energy of sending them are among the reasons given.

Strapped for Time (and Money)

In a TikTok video with more than 205,000 views, Abby Eckel said the time and energy required to send out the perfect Christmas card is too much to rationalize. She says designing the cards, choosing the photos, addressing the envelopes, and paying for the physical cards and stamps isn’t worth it. “The mental load of Christmas cards has never seemed worth it to me,” she says. “Anybody I would send a Christmas card to, I see regularly.”

Social Media Keeps Us Connected

Janie Porter on TikTok says social media is taking the place of yearly Christmas cards. “They’re just not what they used to be,” she says. “It used to be this was your only time seeing someone’s family for the entire year, so you’d sit and pore over that card and really study it. It’s just not the same anymore because we share so much on social media.”

User comments on Porter’s video thanked her for giving people permission to say no to sending out cards. To curb the spendy price of custom Christmas cards, other commentators said they are choosing only to send cards to close friends and family or people who aren’t on social media. Others said they are opting to send generic Christmas cards rather than cards with photos.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, whether or not you send Christmas cards to your friends and family is a personal choice. While you may receive fewer physical cards and more digital ones in the future, it’s safe to say you’ll receive a few holiday cards for many Christmases to come. And if you decide to send Christmas cards, they will be much appreciated by all who receive them.