9th Annual Holiday Card Exchange is Live!

Alright, all you Eager Elves and Merry Mailers, the 9th annual LibraryThing Holiday Card Exchange is here!

Here's the rules:

• Mail a holiday card to a random LibraryThing member.


• You can mail a handmade or store bought card. Add a note to personalize it.


• You’ll get one from another member. (Only that member will see your address.*)

Sign up for the LibrayThing Holiday Card Exchange by Wednesday, December 7 at 12:00 PM Eastern (17:00 GMT)


After signups close next Wednesday, we’ll inform you of your matches within an hour or so. Send your cards out soon after.

Let us know if you have any questions. Happy mailing!

*In order for the cards you receive to be delivered correctly, you must include your real name in the address box. Some postal services require that addressee names match what’s on your mailbox.

Hooray! I'm signed up. My cards are printed, I have stamps, and I can't wait to see who I get to send a card to this year!

Huzzah!

I'm in!

So do I!

Something strange happened when I signed up - I entered all the data including my mailing address and submitted.
After that I went to the Edit my sign-up section, now my address is no longer displayed.
I entered the data again, but still no Mailing adress visible.
Is this OK?

I wonder if I'll get any new matches this year, for a handful of years now I feel like I get a lot of the same people.

(I feel kinda weird signing up for this, I haven't been active on LT in awhile and haven't been an active reader for even longer, but I still love this tradition! Got cards and holiday-themed stamps all ready to go!)

>6 SirThomas: I double-checked and we are properly saving the addresses, they're just not being shown when you go to edit your entry. I'll ping @timspalding about that. If you want to double check yours let me know and I can tell you what we have on our end privately!

LT Staff note: please remember to include your real name matching your mailbox/mailing address, so cards can be delivered successfully! Thank you!

>8 kristilabrie: Thank you, it is ok - important is that you have the data!

>10 SirThomas: @knerd.knitter just fixed this!

It works now - Thank you for the quick response!

@bnielsen, we're sitting this one out so this year you have to find another Swede! ;)

>13 anglemark: I might drop you a card anyway :-) Maybe a reminder to look out for Дед Мороз? https://www.moesgaardmuseum.dk/en/news/christmas-creatures-at-moesgaard/father-f...

>14 bnielsen: Fantastic! Wow!

>7 Heather19: Oh my goodness, don’t feel weird! I’ve been matched in the past with people who had just joined within the last few days, had zero books in their library, and no LT activity that I could see. That felt odd. I’d happily have you on my list.

>16 Copperskye: I think we’ve exchanged cards.

>17 dianeham: I think so, too, at least once. I really like getting some of the same names every year! :)

I'm in! :-)

Me too!

I've sent to the same people on a couple occasions. I think it has to do with who doesn't mind sending internationally or not. I'm happy to send anywhere!

Yay! All signed up, too! :)

I will be sending internationally this year (although most of them will be late I suspect) but would like to mention for yet another time that this is too late for international cards technically... :)

>22 AnnieMod: We're very aware that international cards—and even many domestic ones—will be later than the traditional holiday season for the card exchange. It's a tightrope we have to walk with SantaThing. I don't see it changing anytime soon, alas, but hopefully people can still enjoy the surprise when they arrive! Thanks for participating! :)

It's why I don't participate.

>23 kristilabrie: You know - there is a dead window at the moment while people had registered for SantaThing and are now selecting books - if the Card Exchange registration runs a bit earlier, this time can be used to do the matches and allow for a bit earlier timeline.

At the end of the day, LT does what you all feel is the best. But LT running a program that works properly only if you are in the States is not the right message... or so I think.

As I said - I am in but I will keep voicing my concerns with the timing...

>25 AnnieMod: The Card Exchange opens as soon as possible after SantaThing signups close, it's been decided that there should be no overlap between the two so as to not distract from our primary holiday event (around books). I'm not sure if that will change, but that's what's been decided and it's the best we've got at the moment.

You are welcome to keep voicing your concerns, of course, maybe that will change in the future!

Card Exchange signups are now closed! Matches will be made soon, be on the lookout! :) 💌

>27 kristilabrie: Waiting eagerly! I have to go to the post office today and would like to take them with me.

Matches have been made! Please go to your Card Exchange page (https://www.librarything.com/cardexchange.php) to find your card recipients. (I'm going to see if we can send out profile comments.)

A couple of my recipients have no name listed, just a mailing address. Can you mail stuff to just an address with no name on it?

>30 KeithChaffee: Use their LT name where the name usually would go. If they cannot receive mail that way, they should have added a real name. And yes - it will usually be delivered in most places.

>30 KeithChaffee: It's always worth checking their profile. I had one that listed only their LT name, not their full name, but the full name was on the profile. Even if only the first name is on the profile, it's better than nothing. In past years I've used the LT name as @AnnieMod suggests and it has worked.

My cards are done and going in the mail this afternoon!

>31 AnnieMod: and >32 tardis: That's what I would do, good suggestions, thanks.

I'll be sending mine out today! Wee!

And they’re away! 🚀
If there are stragglers and you need additional cards sent I will be willing.

Thanks for doing this! I can also send out more if necessary.

>34 varielle: Awesome!

>34 varielle: >35 Copperskye: We've got an even number, but I appreciate your offer!

>34 varielle: Mine are also on their way - but in Germany the mail is a bit slower, faster than horse-drawn carriages, but definitely not rocket speed 😉.

Call for volunteers: please let me know if you're willing to send out extra cards in a private message to me here: https://www.librarything.com/profile/kristilabrie. I have two (above), and would love at least 8 others. Thanks!

All set now, thank you all!

>38 kristilabrie: Message sent!

My cards got into the mail today!

My cards should go out by Saturday! And I do see some unfamiliar names this year, yay! (It's weird to get matched with a brand-new user with no books catalogued and no info on their profile at all, usually I depend on the profile/books to find ways to personalize the card!)

>41 Heather19: Same here. Maybe we got the same person. I just ended up saying "I don't know what kind of books you like but these are a few of my favourite authors" and listing three or four.

Yep, I got a few of my regulars but most of the names this year are new for me (although one of them is someone I had been talking on the site with so it is kinda funny that way sometimes). :)

>41 Heather19: I have 2 with no info/books but also a nice mix of familiar and unfamiliar names. :)
>42 tardis: That's a good idea of what to say and I think I may use it. :)
My are going out hopefully by Saturday - I have to finish making more bookmarks. It's been a busy week...

I'm so excited as I look forward to the card exchange and don't mind at all if I get cards in Jan :). It is nice to get a card instead of bills or junk in your mailbox...haha. I noticed that I got matched with all new names this year which is exciting. The cards are all done and will be sent out tomorrow. Happy card exchange everyone :)

My cards are stamped, sealed, and going out tomorrow. :)

My cards went out yesterday. A few did not have far to go so those lucky people will probably have their cards by tomorrow or Monday. Seasons greetings and holiday wishes all around!

My cards went out this morning.

Mine went out yesterday, though from the way y'all are talking about the time you take to personalize them and recommend books and authors, I'm feeling like I was a little lazy, or didn't understand the assignment or something. Ah well, there's always next year...

>49 KeithChaffee: It’s not required. All that’s required is to send a postcard - everything else is optional :)

>49 KeithChaffee: Yeah, I'm feeling a bit badly about that, as well. Next year...

It's my first year and my cards are signed, sealed, stamped, and addressed. I broke out the forever dragon stamps! I'm taking them to the post office tomorrow to make sure they're good postagewise.
I had a ton of fun browsing the other members' libraries to try to write something personal on each card.

I have a couple to send without recipient names :l > Do I send them anyway, althought the directions clearly say the real name is to be included?

>53 TammyPatrick: Yes. Some people are not comfortable sharing their names. Use their LT names where a name would usually go.

We had a holiday on the 8th, so my cards were sent on the 9th in the morning! I hope everything will arrive in time! If anything happens I have backup cards which I can send for a second try.

Thank you so much for organizing!

cards sealed and will go out on tuesday. hopefully the international people will receive them by their christmas break.

I've posted my cards. Is it a glitch I get the same people every year.

All of mine went in the post yesterday. Unfortunately they head off to the UK first where there are a number of days of postal strike planned between now and Christmas, so who knows when they will get to their destination!

>57 tina1969: You can send an email (to info at LT) and ask for a different set of names, if you like. AIUI the matching is based on similarity in libraries, so getting the same people seems to be a thing.

>59 karenb: thanks for the info. Posted my cards and don't mind sending anyone a card just wondered why I had the same people

Glad I ran into the post office - I used textured sealing stickers and all of mine are considered non machinable and needed extra postage! But they all got mailed. Looking forward to seeing one in my mailbox.

>1 kristilabrie: My cards are done and stamped. Just waiting to be mailed out tomorrow!

>41 Heather19: I didn't think to look at their profiles. I did put a note in about my favoite book I read this year and asked the recipient their favorite book of the year. Hoping to get some messages back to find out what they have been reading.

>63 booboo123: Oh, that's a good idea, too!

Finished mine - mailing tomorrow. I think I sent everyone a bookmark.

>61 elorin: Oh man I really hope mine don't need extra postage! I did use an embossed-type sticker on the back of the cards, but I don't think it's raised enough to be an issue. I hope.
I sent a batch yesterday and will send the remaining few in the morning! I also lost one of the boxes of cards I'd bought specifically for this exchange so a few people may be getting strange/random cards!

Mine went out last week, and I received my first today. Thank you, Lisa (iluvbookplates)!

Apparently USPS in California is working overtime - I already got 2 cards from there (it is also next door to me here in Arizona so it kinda makes sense but I’ve seen all kinds of weirdness even when someone is that close by). ;)

Received 2 lovely cards from PA. Thank you!

So it looks like this will be the last time I can take part in the Card Exchange on an international scale as the local postal service have just announced a price increase of 46% on stamps as of Jan 1 2023 due to declining numbers of people using services after their last increase - there was a 45% increase between 2021 and 2022. Such a shame as I love exchanging cards with people far afield.

Hopefully all the cards will get there this year! (I could hope for a lottery win so that I can still take part next year as well but I doubt that'll happen)

>70 Peace2: Yikes! It's a shame, postal services are definitely getting so much more expensive. Maybe we could offer an e-card option at some point? Not sure what @timspalding would think about that.

>70 Peace2: Wow, that's a huge hike. Where are you located?

I received a card from Malinda, who didn't give a user name. Lovely card; thank you.

I received a card from IL this week, no member name (I'll try hunting it down later) but another Kristie: thanks for the lovely card! :)

@airgid thanks for the card. Tried to message you but couldn’t.

I've been getting cards, and mailed mine out today. Such fun!

Have been getting LT cards all week, and they're all lovely. Such a delight!

I got two today. Thank you @dixneuf and GG from MI. Pretty cards.

I've received one card so far. :-)

>72 mstrust: I'm in Jersey C.I.

My first card just arrived from Denmark, Thank you Birger (@bnielsen) - I love the design!

Just received a great book-themed Christmas card and nice note.
Thank you Rebecca, I love it!

>81 SirThomas: Wait, bnielsen has a given name -- that they use?!? WHo knew.

I thought it is ok - he has it in his profile page...

Thank you to Dawn or Daun (DFed) in Lexington!

>83 karenb: and >84 SirThomas:, yes that's ok!. You can also find my postal address on my profile page.

Wendy H: I can't find you on LT, but in case you see this, I am delighted with the pocket tissue holder enclosed with your holiday card. Thank you! Happy Holidays 🎄

I've got a couple cards! They are all so lovely. Two came with bookmarks and one tissue holder. I wish I could thank them but no LT name.

Received a card today from Teresa in the uk x thank you

THREE lovely cards today! Many thanks to @heyjude, Jennifer K in TN, and Malenda N. (or possibly Malinda - no LT name) in MA.

I received two cards with no LT names but wanted to be sure to acknowledge them:

My thanks to Kyle and Lindsey in MI for their very cute card.

And to Katherine in IN for the absolutely beautiful handmade card.

Merry Christmas and happy reading in 2023!

Received 2 beautiful cards with notes from MA and TX.
My thanks and best holiday wishes to imadruid and seriousgrace.

>93 nrmay: Thank you for thanking those folks! I had a lovely note in one of my cards, but couldn't quite decipher the signature, and now I know who they are and can respond to them when I get home from my current see-the-family/vacation trip in a few weeks (because that's where the card and the note are).

Thanks to @bnielsen for your ROGUE Holiday Exchange card! And a wonderful card it was, a scary Дед Мороз. We will send you stamps in return. (I'm not kidding.)

>95 anglemark: No need to. I've inherited a bunch of stamps that'll last for many future postcards. But it's always fun to get something unexpected in the mail box, so feel free :-)

My rogue (in more ways than one) card depicted this guy:
https://www.moesgaardmuseum.dk/en/news/christmas-creatures-at-moesgaard/father-f...

All in all there are nine alternatives for dressing up as something else than Santa Claus.

I received cards with no LT names so I hope they will look here and find my notes. Thank you to Katherine in IN for your beautiful card and bookmark and to Paula in WA for your beautiful card and wonderful stickers! Thank you, too, to Lynn in WI and Vanessa and Nicole W in NJ for your great cards! Happy holidays to you all and may the new year bring you many wonderful reads. :)

Thank you for the pretty card and bookmark, Carrie Beth (cbl_tn), those are the most festive sheep I've ever seen!

Out of 8 cards in the mail over the past week(s), 7 are definitely LT, (I found the misplaced card) and one sent bookish stickers and an !absolutely!fabulous! mini magnetic bookmark with arrow on one side and cat on the other! I love it!!

Thank you by city and state:
Elgin IL
W Bloomfield MI (one of my first, already said thank you!)
Montreal QC (one of my first, already said thank you!)
Jefferson GA
LeClaire IA
Richmond VA
Holyoke MA

I've had a ton of fun and hope I have the wherewithal to participate again next year!!

I received a lovely card from Teresa, which looked hand made. Thank you Teresa!

And one from @sarahsponda too, with a nice message inside. Thank you Sarah!

Got a delightful postcard from Vermont! Not sure what their LT name is but I love the idea. :)

I received a lovely card from Michelle Craig, but am unable to locate her on librarything to thank her. So, Michelle if you see this .... Thank you!!

And one from @Bowerbirds-library, happy hannukah guys, thanks for the card!

Thank you to CynthiaRD! It came while I was away, but it's a very pretty card.

Two cards today - many thanks to @wilderwoman and @amanda4242 for beautiful cards and messages. Also the bookmarks from @wilderwoman!

>95 anglemark: Thanks for the nice card that I found inside a lot of stamps :-)

>107 bnielsen: Nous avons de lot of stamps!

and one from @bnielsen - nope, i love a nice dark card!

and one from someone I think is called Tilly or Tiny, in Nova Scotia, thanks!

one also from Rebecca, who enclosed a beautiful book mark, thank you so much!

>109 elahrairah: Nice. Thanks for telling me it is in good hands :-)

>108 anglemark: I know a gaggle of geese, a litter of puppies, a flock of ducks, a pride of lions, a pack of wolves, or a murder of crows, so what's the equivalent with stamps? Surely the Brits must have a word for a ??? of stamps.

Thank you to Teresa for a lovely sewn card. I can't thank you personally as you didn't include your LT name so I shall send you best wishes for 2023 here.

Received a card today from Diane abookofsecrets thank you

I received my 6th card today, from @bnielsen. It's a very cool "dark" card from a local museum, and I love it.

In a funny coincidence, today I also received a card from a friend in Arizona whose surname is also Nielsen, and who was originally from Denmark :)

I received a nice Nova Scotia card today from Halifax. Thanks Tim!

I too received cards from Jennifer K in Tennessee and Malinda in Massachusetts. They arrived a while ago; I just forgot to post here.

received a card today from @darthfisticuffs with a nice mesage and a bookmark, thanks darth!

I'm late on the updates. Got a lovely card from "Rachel." I admire your handwriting, it's beautiful!

And a cute doggy card that I've gone and misplaced! Pretty sure I recall who sent it though. ;)

Two more cards today, one from @iamadruid in TX (I love the "bookmas" card, and I'm glad you liked the card I sent you), and a gorgeous butterfly card from Melanie in IN, who doesn't mention her LT name.

I received my 9th card today, from @angeljacoby. Thanks for the book recs!

I received what I think is my last card yesterday. Thank you to "Mary J", who did not leave an LT name!

ETA: My mistake - maryj IS her LT name!

I received a card from France today. Thank you to @VickySaintAnge!

>122 SirThomas: Me too :-) Thanks @VickySaintAnge! (Who also supplied some tea for a rainy, dark morning here :-)

My 10th card today came from @VickySaintAnge - a cheery, sparkly wish for the new year, plus some tea, which I look forward to. I love Ceylon tea :)

Well, I was wrong. Another card arrived yesterday! Hard to read the handwriting... maybe Aramesh? Looks like it ends in "mesh" or "nesh", anyway. Postmark from Texas. Thank you!!

One card seems to not have arrived at its destination. I am going to send a new one on its way this week. I am very sorry and I hope a card for "reading spring" will make up for the lost one.