Struggling financially as more people correspond electronically, the Post Office gave Americans a little reminder this holiday season.
"Have a good holiday. Remember, mail plenty of holiday cards. We can certainly use them." said Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe.
For many, even the most clever e-card isn't quite the same as a card to tear out of an envelope and hang on the mantle. So a new crop of apps marries technology and tradition -- nixes the handwriting and stamping, and even eliminates the holiday pilgrimage to the Post Office with 97-million other Americans.
The Red Stamp app (redstamp.com) for iPhone and iPad has an assortment of holiday templates for Christmas and Hanukkah to customize. Add a photo and a message and choose a delivery method -- email, text message, Facebook, Twitter, or U.S. Mail. Users can also keep track of friends and family with a checklist.
The Sincerely Ink Holiday Card app for Android and Apple has options for a family photo or a festive illustration and allows you to choose colors, designs, and add a message.
Users can send their card directly from their tablet for just a $1.99. That includes printing on heavyweight postcards and the postage. They'll arrive anywhere in the U.S. in about a week.
Similarly, Apple's cards apps lets iPad users design, create and send a card for $2.99 including postage. Users can choose from 15 holiday templates, enter their own text and photo, and add a message.
