Christmas cards or Facebook pokes?

After a several year hiatus, we sent out some Christmas cards this year. No particular reason for not sending them in years past, just the typical excuses of not getting around to it, not getting pictures developed in time, feeling awkward sending them out in April, etc…

It seemed like we were getting fewer cards in the mail ourselves this year, and at first I attributed it to the lack of our reciprocation for the last few years. However, it seems to be a national trend. The Washington Post chronicles this movement in their 2009 Holiday Guide section, so now perhaps I don't feel so bad, hearing that it's not just us! But is it a sign of the current lackluster economy, or of a larger shift in behaviors?

Home Alone - 2009 Edition

Here's an article from the summer, but it's equally applicable now that everyone is heading away from home for the holidays... This article is an interesting view on how your online status can tip off potential criminals that your house will be empty...

Now perhaps you don't update Facebook or Twitter with your every move, but your kids might! Double check their status before you head out of town, and if they grumble about how 'it's not a big deal', perhaps you can come to a compromise; rather than posting when they are leaving, suggest that they post an update when they get back - 'Just got home from Christmas at Grandma's!'