A Christmas Card

[Call Me Cordelia]

So, I've been NC with my parents for five years and have apparently been dropped by every other member of my immediate and extended family.

Except one relative still sends me a Christmas card. At my new address, which I certainly never gave them. I have never responded. This year, it came and it was addressed to my DH and... my mother's first name. What the actual? 

There has never been any personal message. I barely even knew this (older) relative. The extended family culture was such that sending a Christmas card on time was a serious duty. You got what passes for brownie points getting them in the mail Thanksgiving weekend. I guess so they could be displayed all December. So them having my address had me a bit freaked at first but otherwise if they feel better for sending a card I don't have to care. But my mother's name? That's a new one. 

I might "return to sender" next year. I have opened them in case it said my mother was dead or something, but it's just too ridiculous. And of course you're the only ones I can talk to about this sort of crazy.

[Srcyu]

Yup, I know the madness. I guessed before I reached that part that the relative was fairly old. It is annoying that they got your address. Not quite so docile then. The name thing - been there. I think it's so long since these pests actually saw us that they stick any old thing down.
The last time I received unwanted cards it actually wrecked my happy mood of having the fairly grown up kids back home.
This silly person will keep sending you a card for as long as they are physically able.
I can imagine the irritation the sight of the card will bring.

I wouldn't return to sender though. Keep filing it under Bin/Trash.

[NarcKiddo]

Is the relative elderly?

[Call Me Cordelia]

Yes, they would be elderly by now. There could be some dementia at play maybe but there are just so many layers of WTF here.

[bloomie]

Cordelia - I am convinced we are shirt-tail relatives and my elderly mil sent you that card!!! She is confused enough to do something like that with the address and determined enough (think heat seeking missile) to hunt someone down who might have your address, or be able to find it (?),  in order to get those brownie points for her 'kindnesses'.

So odd and disconcerting to have this drop into your life.

[Pepin]

I'd be doing RTS.  Circle your mother's name and write next to it: no such recipient at this address. 

but ugh, how triggering for you and I am very sorry.  I cringe this time of year with regards to holiday cards.  There are a number that I dread receiving because I really don't care about those people anymore but they continue to send them in their robotic fashion. 

[lkdrymom]

I agree with Pepin.  Write no such person at this address and put back in the mail.

[Leonor]

If you could include the musical score to the Elvis song, that would be great too:

"She wrote upon it ...

... No such person

... No such zone!"

[overitall]

When my uBPDm continued to send Xmas cards years after NC, I went to the post office and had them stamp, "Refused by addressee"  I didn't even want to write on the envelope because I didn't want her to get any satisfaction.  It stopped her...cold.

[Srcyu]

I like that response overitall. Far less personal.