Dear Annie: It’s time to send out my annual Christmas cards to family and friends, a tradition I have enjoyed for nearly 25 years. I look forward to receiving cards every year and joyfully hang them in a visible location for the winter as a reminder of the friendship we share.

Unfortunately, I have seen a significant decline in people who exchange cards in recent years. Last year, less than half of the people I sent cards to sent me one in return. They say they’re too busy or just can’t be bothered with the task. Mostly, I receive no response at all. Should I stop sending holiday cards to these people? I’m just wondering. — Lonely Mailbox

Dear Lonely Mailbox: Fewer people might send cards in the mail these days, but that’s all the more reason to send them: Opening one’s mailbox and finding a thoughtful, personal piece of correspondence is more exciting than ever. So please, don’t stop spreading that Christmas cheer for as long as it makes you jolly. Read on for some inspiration for your mailing list next year.

Dear Annie: Could you please write about the address to send soldiers Christmas cards? — Thinking of Our Troops at Christmas

Dear Thinking: United Soldiers and Sailors of America collects Christmas cards from civilians and mails them directly to troops deployed around the world. The deadline has passed for this year, but I’m happy to print this information so that readers might make a note of it for next year.

USASOA asks that you leave card envelopes blank and do not seal them; place all cards in a larger envelope or box and mail them to United Soldiers and Sailors of America, 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Suite 2104, Washington, DC, 20003. They also ask that you include your name and return address on the exterior of the larger envelope or box in which you are mailing the Christmas cards so that USASOA can send you a thank-you card.

That said, writing to soldiers needn’t be limited to the holidays. Consider joining an organization such as Soldiers’ Angels (https://soldiersangels.org/) or Operation Gratitude (https://www.operation- gratitude.com/express-your-thanks/write-letters/) to write letters to deployed troops throughout the year.