The holiday season is heavily upon us! While many of us are buying presents, viewing a performance of The Nutcracker, and playing Bing Crosby on repeat, some of us are penning the perfect Christmas cards. Christmas cards are truly a lost art, which is a great disappointment. Last year, one friend told me that it was peculiar to receive a card during the holidays.
This year, I have a list of forty-plus addresses and six boxes of cards. They will be sent worldwide on December 1st, so their arrival does not coincide with the New Year. While I am a card writing connoisseur, the idea of Christmas cards might be incredibly daunting and frustrating. What to write? How to write it? What to say?
How to write the perfect Christmas cards!
First, make a list of everyone and their addresses. Use Excel or Word documents. Once you know how many cards you will need, you can venture to the shops, but don’t buy cards until you have a list! Everyone over 18 should receive their own cards, even if they still live at home. Remember to be generous with sending cards – it would be terrible to make anyone feel left out this time of year! WHEN: Early-to-mid November
Next, go shopping for cards! Pick cards that seem personal and specially selected (no generic snowmen or Santa illustrations!). You can also pick up holiday stamps during this time, to save the trip. WHEN: Mid-November Here are some Christmas cards we adore:
Include personal details, even if you aren’t close to the recipient. Mention their spouse (or pet!), the local weather, or a memory you two might share. It is okay to lean towards “generic,” but make sure to add a personal touch!
For your distant aunt
Make sure you write to everyone, including colleagues! If your cards have a printed message inside, open the letter above the message but write any additional content below the printed message. Again, keep things personal but professional! A short message is acceptable in such conservative circumstances, like work-related correspondence.
To your colleague
When sending to or from a couple, make sure you address both people equally. Address the card to both people, and address them as “they” or you and your partner as “we.” If you mention personal details, make sure they are applicable to both people – so no one feels left out!
To your dear friends, from a couple
Even family members deserve Christmas cards! You might see them throughout the season, but a mailed reminder of your closeness is a nice touch. These messages should be longer, as you will have more to say. Write about cherished memories, the past year, or the upcoming future!
A letter to close family members, like siblings or parents
More tips to consider for the perfect Christmas cards:
- Always include the date! For Christmas cards, just the year in the right-hand upper corner is acceptable, but the full date is also appropriate
- Write more than you want to. More is more! A quick one-liner is a waste of a card. Make sure your message is at least two sentences, but ideally more
- Think before you write. You only have so many cards! Plan what you want to say before you pen each letter
Finally, mail them off! Send your card with enough time to travel across the world before Christmas Eve. Use festive, Christmas-y stamps if available. The post office usually has adorable designs this time of year! WHEN: The first week of December, no later than December 10.
We'd love to Hear From You!