It’s that time of year when we all start thinking (or maybe stressing) about sending Christmas cards. I personally enjoy getting Christmas cards. It truly brightens up my bill-filled mailbox and adds some sparkle to my day. But at the same time I am not always perfect at sending my own Christmas cards and along the way (and with some help from my Facebook fans) I’ve learned a few dos and don’ts of sending Christmas cards. And I am so thankful for help from CardsDirect.com this year for helping me actually get my Christmas cards out on time!
*This post is sponsored by CardsDirect.com. All opinions and thoughts are my own. This post may or may not contain affiliate links.
The Dos and Don’ts of Sending Christmas Cards:
1. DO send a picture
For me, and for many people I’ve talked to, the Christmas card is mostly about the picture. Friends and family love to see how everyone has grown. But not only that, the picture is a visual reminder of that friend far away. The pictures remind us of the fun times we had, or just to give that family member a call soon.
Nowadays there a tons of options for adding a picture to your holiday card. This year I used CardsDirect.com and it literally took me 10 seconds to add our picture to our Christmas card. It was so easy! I have loved the quality of their cards. Sturdy cards, beautiful color, and reliable service.
*By pure miracle, this is actually our first normal family picture in a few years. Family pictures are a struggle in our family and I could write a whole post on it. But to make a long story short, basically we went out one fall day after church to take pictures in the leaves. We set up our tripod and just snapped thousands of pictures much to the dismay of my teenagers. Turns out the very best one was the VERY FIRST picture we took!! Seriously! Just gather your family, snap a picture, and go with it. Ignore the grumblings of your kids.
2. DON’T send a family picture to your office people or clients.
There is no reason to send a picture to people that don’t know your family that well. A simple greeting card with a kind message will suffice. Save the expense.
Look for a classy card to send to co-workers and clients like these at CardsDirect.com
3. DO add a personal note.
It’s easy during busy times to just sign the card and send. But if you can, add a personal note for your friends and family. Let them know you are thinking about them. It can be handwritten or typed.
I had CardsDirect.com create a personal message for my cards. I sat down and wrote out what I would love to wish everyone if I could see them in person. Then I will add a little personal note with my signature.
4. DON’T brag.
Sending a Christmas card is not about bragging. The purpose for sending Christmas cards is to show you care about someone else. It is a good time to update others on your family and let them know what good things are happening in your life, but don’t make it all about the trophies. Also, try to have a good attitude as you read the Christmas letters that come your way. Don’t compare your Christmas card life to their Christmas card life. Try to see it as a kind gesture and that they want share things with you because you are important to them.
5. DO keep it simple.
Find ways to simplify your card sending. Use adhesive envelopes, so you don’t have to lick a bunch. Use address labels or an address stamp. Have the picture printed on the card so you don’t have to stuff extra items. Keep a list of addresses throughout the year so you don’t have to go searching for them all over the place (I hope to get to this point in my life someday!).
I use an address stamp like the ones they have at CardsDirect.com. The stamps are so quick and they add some style to your envelope. I also got self-adhesive envelopes from them. Stick and go. Anything to make it easier! Oh, and notice that shimmer on the inside of my envelopes!
6. DON’T do it all yourself.
Enlist your family members to help out. Let the kids help write the personal messages. Have your spouse stuff the envelopes. Make it a family affair. Also, find a card company that is easy to use and simplifies the steps for you.
7. DON’T stress out if you can’t send Christmas cards every year.
Sometimes I just don’t get to my Christmas cards. I always hope to, but often it gets set on the back burner during the busiest years. I usually only get to them every other year. I am more likely to get cards sent if I plan ahead in the autumn months. So get started now! I got my cards from CardsDirect.com within a few days. But if you can’t do it, don’t feel guilty. Just try again next year.
8. DO stay in touch somehow.
Even if you don’t get to sending holiday cards this year, try to stay in touch with your loved ones somehow. Christmas cards are just ONE way of letting friends and family know that you are thinking about them. It may not be your thing at all. There are several ways to keep in contact now . . . email, text, phone call, an actual visit, a Facebook message, etc. It’s never too late to show someone that you care–just make sure that you do show it somehow.
Merry Christmas my blissful friends!
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