My family is spread throughout the U.S., and the closest is a 5 hour drive away.

I try to send snail-mail cards even if the person has access to a computer. I still like finding things other than bills, fliers, and magazines in my mail box; thus I think everyone appreciates it too. I will send e-cards to some friends/family but they still get a traditional card. I do my part to help keep the card companies in business.

Presents - I generally don't buy birthday presents unless it's a milestone birthday. That said, I bought a pretty necklace for my sister's birthday last night which I'll give her when I fly to see her in North Carolina next month. As for Christmas - I either buy something and ship, or utilize cataloges and have them send the present for me - usually a living blooming plant.

Last year my mother approached me with the idea of donating to a charity in the other's name instead of giving each other presents - but the rule was to pick a charity that we thought the other would support. She "gifted" me with a forest from Heifer.org, and I "gave" her a donation to a local charity that the TE ladies in Austin, TX helped me find (Mom lives in Austin). This arrangement worked perfectly for the two of us.