Nothing says Christmas like an empty mailbox?

If it feels as if fewer Christmas cards are arriving in the mailbox, it's most likely true.

"We're seeing fewer holiday cards being sent this year," said Lake Zurich Postmaster John Bosco. He points to the Internet as the prime reason people are getting away from sending holiday greetings through the mail.

The traditional method of sending holiday cards is facing competition with the Internet and social media sites, including Facebook.

Research by moneysupermarket.com shows that nearly 30 percent of consumers plan to send a text message or use a social networking Web site or a free Internet phone service to send their Christmas wishes.

Cary mom Terri McHugh switched from traditional cards to the e-mail version for the first time last year. "I had a lot of positive comments," McHugh said.

Using a PowerPoint template, McHugh had fun creating the family card with several pictures and short descriptions of what her family was up to. With the help of her children, she enjoyed creating the card much more than addressing envelopes.

Her desire to recycle and live a "green" lifestyle prompted the initiative that she will continue this season.

The cost of stamps, now 44 cents each, and time restraints have driven others to turn to more efficient methods of spreading holiday cheer.

Kathy Mesce believes the economy is the driving force in the dip in sending cards through the mail. Mesce, who works for Hallmark Promotions, a distributor for advertising and sales merchandise, has seen the number of consumers ordering personalized holiday cards drop 30 to 40 percent this year.

Real estate agents have made up a big portion of her customer base in the past.

For many struggling through the sluggish economy, money is the bottom line. "Sending cards is discretionary spending," Mesce said.

Mundelein Postmaster Mary Connelly understands that people have to cut back, but doesn't want holiday cards to go away.

"There's nothing like getting a card or letter in the mail," Connolly said. She adds that she enjoys going back to look at cards from previous years. "The value of a letter in a Christmas card is a treasure," she said.