We know it is only July and your December holiday preparations are probably at the very top of your to-do list, so we are going to go over some of the reasons people send holiday cards and help you get started.
Holiday Card List
First things first, who do you send cards to? We are a bit biased, so our first answer is as many people as possible, but there is also some truth to that. Traditionally, holiday cards are a way of re-connecting with people you do not necessarily see or speak to very often. In today’s digital age, that could amount to a fairly large number. To get a general count of cards to order, start with last year’s list and/or your current address book. Remove old business acquaintances and loved ones who have passed away. Add any new family members, friends or colleagues. This will give you a preliminary count. It is always cheaper to order a few extra on the initial order than it is to come back and place another order, and it is inevitable that between the purchase and the sending, there will be new folks to add to the list or you will realize that you forgot to put Aunt Ruth on the original list.
If you cannot afford to spend a lot of money on gifts this year, holiday cards are a great way to show someone you care without purchasing a gift. If you have purchased gifts for Uncle Robert in the past, he might expect a gift again this year. If you cannot afford to do so this year, do not be afraid to send a holiday card to let him know that your budget doesn’t allow for a gift this year, but you still send your love and wish him a Happy New Year.
Card Signing
Every year, without fail, we get a few people that call in and ask us if it’s possible to get their signature pre-printed on the inside of their greeting cards. This is poor form. We offer pre-printed verses on all of our cards to share your holiday sentiments. Signing them and/or adding your own personal note is what makes receiving the card a lasting effect. You do not have to write a personalized book to each card recipient, but a hand-written signature and/or message makes the card so much more personal. Writing in each holiday greeting card may seem daunting, but if you write a few cards a day through October and November, the task becomes a lot more manageable.
When signing a Christmas card from more than one person, the person who physically signs the card should write his or her name at the end of the list. When signing multiple family members, traditionally you would start with the father’s name, then the mother’s and finally the children, from oldest to youngest. Another option is to simply write something like "John, Mary and family."
Read Part 2