"I don't want to send a holiday card," said my friend E. "What am I going to write in it? Parents getting sick, we're getting older, still no kids."

"That's why I don't send cards. Who wants the easy-reading version of my life?"

That, plus the fact that if I'd much rather prefer a phone call or e-mail from a friend to a generic family holiday card that skips all the juicy details. Sure, you got a new puppy, but what about rehab? Sure, the kid is starting a new school, but what about marriage counseling? What do I care about your trip to the San Diego Zoo?

I would keep mine brief.

I left my job in the worst economy of my adult life. Bad idea. Happy Holidays!

Just for today, I can not send a holiday greeting card.