In a time when we use computers and smart phones to send birthday and anniversary greetings, many people still opt to use the good old-fashioned mail to wish their friends and families a Merry Christmas.

In fact, the Greeting Card Association and Cleveland’s American Greetings maintain that Christmas is the top card-sending holiday in the nation, with about 1.5 billion cards expected to be purchased this year, down slightly from a year ago.

And there are those like Chris Hulsey who take the whole thing a step further.

In the lower level of her Hudson home is an office with special tools she uses to create extraordinary greeting cards. It has become such a labor of love that some people are insulted if they receive a store-bought card from her rather than one of her creations, she said.

“I love to make Christmas cards more than any other seasonal card,” Hulsey said. “It’s the best time of the year to reach out and reflect.”

So competitive is her family that Hulsey and her sisters, who also make cards, secretly design each year’s greetings and keep them hidden from each other until a carrier slips them into their mailboxes.

But it sure is easier, and less expensive, to send a quick message on Facebook or Twitter. Those interested in sending unique e-cards or music videos can find many options on the Internet. For instance, you can visit JibJab (http://sendables.jibjab.com/holidays) and plop pictures of your relatives atop the cartoon-like bodies.

Even greeting card companies such as Hallmark and American Greetings have worked to make computer users happy by offering e-cards, holiday wishes that can be sent via the Internet.

Still, there are those who, like Hulsey, won’t give up sending greetings by mail.

“I think that e-cards are too impersonal for Christmas. Plus, you have to have your computer turned on in order to read them. It’s much easier to open a traditional Christmas card at the table and enjoy it. I like opening Christmas cards,” said Jane Koza of Cuyahoga Falls. “Call me old-fashioned but the Internet isn’t the answer to everything.”

Annette Bader of Bath Township isn’t fond of Internet greetings, either.

“I have only gotten one or two Christmas e-cards. I certainly hope that this doesn’t become a trend. To me it seems like a cheap substitute for the real thing,” Bader said. “And it reminds me of those mass e-mails sent to 100 people telling them how ‘special,’ ‘loved’ or ‘blessed’ they are to the sender.”

The ailing economy has caused some to scale back the number of cards they send, but they don’t want to give up the practice entirely.

“We used to send cards every year. However, with postage going up and not being in touch with people, now my husband methodically fills out a card to someone as soon as we receive their card. This way he has their current address,” said Nancy Lemmon of Stow. “If we do not get a card, then he does not send one out, figuring there will be no hurt feelings.”

Perhaps, as Juanita Weaver of Tallmadge suggests, those choosing to use the Internet should consider personalizing their e-cards.

“I think the key is to customize the greetings to the recipient … not sending a mass mailing to one’s e-mail address list and considering the task done,” Weaver said.

In many families, sending and receiving cards brings back fond memories. Jenna Waggoner of Wooster said her family used to receive hundreds of greetings when she was a kid. But things have changed.

“I have sons who definitely have not and will not send cards, even though they watched me do it all their formative years. I believe this is more a gendered activity — something women do, keeping in touch with old friends,” lamented Linda Williams of Munroe Falls. “Even so, I think the tradition may die out, sadly, with the [baby] boomers. Younger people will just post their wishes on Facebook or its equivalent.”

But as Williams said, “you can’t adorn your fireplace mantel with Facebook posts.”

Real Christmas cards are the only way to go. And with technology they are simple, fun and easy to send.

Greg Reed, Chief Card Officer at GetGreetingCards.com said that a colleague of his recently created a physically, printable card using his software and sent via the post 1021 cards in just 12 seconds! Amazing!