DEAR ABBY: I was widowed this spring and seem to recall hearing, years ago, that I should not send out greeting cards for the first year. Is this still proper etiquette? With the holidays approaching, I need to know whether I should or should not be sending Christmas cards. For some people, it will be the only way they'll learn of his passing. Thank you for your help. -- CAROLYN IN VIRGINIA
DEAR CAROLYN: Please accept my sympathy for the loss of your husband. If you feel up to sending holiday cards and would like to do so, by all means send them. I have never heard of any rule of etiquette that says you shouldn't.