Did you get a card instead of a gift this year?

I'm just wondering, because this Cardstore.com poll indicated that 20% more of you may have. It also indicated that:

• 43% of Americans prefer a greeting card from a loved one over $10
• 53% of Americans display greeting cards at least through the holidays
• 42% of Americans hold onto holiday cards as a keepsake, such as in a photobox or scrapbook

I keep all of my birthday and holiday cards. Every one. And I am definitely in the 43% of people who would rather get a card with a personal note versus something someone just grabbed at CVS. I have plenty of generic bath salts and themed wine tags at this stage of my life, but I'll never have enough cards with special notes inside from the people I love the most. OK, it helps if the card has glitter or features a particularly hilarious greeting, but you get the point. It is always the thought that counts.

The King wishes you happy holidays

I know, I'm late. But please tell me if you were among the 50,000 people who got a greeting card this Christmas with $1 for a ¼lb Double Cheeseburger at BK inside! Brilliant.

My only complaint -- how did the Promo Magazine writer get away with this kicker?

The Double Cheeseburger features two flame-broiled burger patties, crunchy pickles, ketchup, mustard and two slices of American cheese on a sesame seed bun.

I mean, who doesn't know what's in a double cheeseburger? What are we, farmers?

Did your holiday cards make you laugh ... or cry?

I only got two holiday cards at my "desk job" this year -- normally I get at least a half dozen. I know that companies are cutting back, but considering the long days and uncertainty in the workplace these days, a few more happy snowmen and foil envelopes would have been much appreciated. And for the first time in eight years, my company didn't send out holiday cards either. A missed opportunity? I think so.

Very little WORK gets done in the last few weeks of the year. People are working remotely (wrapping gifts, shopping, maybe checking their Blackberry or checking voicemail, but mostly driving around town fighting people for parking). However, if they are in the office you know what they are definitely doing -- anything at work that isn't really actually WORK. Company parties. Building parties. Pillaging gift baskets from vendors. Secret Santa. Hot chocolate with rum at 3 p.m. OK, maybe that's just me.

They are also opening holiday cards. And reading them. And passing them around and hanging them up cube and office walls. Why? Because it's one of the few times of year that workers actually have time to do something other than work and usually no one is there to watch them. So, next December, send holiday cards. Funny, cute, thoughtful, smart or just plain thankful. Your partners -- and customers -- will remember you for it.

Celebrate those who fight for our freedom

Did you look this week for a Veteran's Day card? If so, you probably didn't find one. Hell, I have a hard enough time finding a good "Baby on the way" card (I've needed a lot of these lately -- it feels like all of my friends are with child!), much less one that is federal holiday specific, outside of the biggies. The need is duly noted.

But that doesn't mean you can't support U.S. troops this holiday season. From now through Dec. 7, the Red Cross is sponsoring a "Holiday Mail for Heroes" program. So get a bunch of holiday cards, and send them to:

Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

There are some rules, but the Red Cross has a complete list of best practices to make sure you your mail gets delivered, including "Don't use glitter – excessive amounts can aggravate health issues of wounded recipients."

Anything you send will be screened, so no nudie pics, either, but volunteers will make sure the cards go to servicemen and women who appreciate them -- even if we don't always appreciate all that they are doing in December and so far beyond.