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.