The holidays are such busy time of year and there is often a sense of obligation when it comes to who to send cards to–and that can add to the stress of the holidays. If you haven’t sent your cards out already, you know what I mean. You’re busy!
One of the things I love about sending out holiday cards is that when I’m sitting down and handwriting my holiday messages, memories of that person immediately pop into my head! It’s so great to be reminded of all the special people we have in our lives. But as much as I’d love to send a card to everyone I know, it’s just not realistic. Which leads me to the question: Who do you send cards to?
The answer is this: send a card to anyone you want to share a holiday wish with. But time and budgets don’t always allow us the opportunity to send a card to everyone! So, if you want to slim down your list this year, send holiday greetings only to those people you know you won’t be able to see in person over the season.
If you’re unsure whether the recipient celebrates Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, or any religious faith or tradition, it’s best to send a more neutral greeting such as: “Seasons Greetings” or “Happy Holidays.”
With more and more people being “green” these days, it’s acceptable to split your list and send out ecards to some people on your holiday list. When sending ecards, address each one individually, however, and avoid sending bulk emails which are impersonal.
If your only relationship with someone is a digital one—such as a client or out-of-town co-worker—an email card is a great way to share a holiday greeting. Another example of where an ecard makes good sense is for friends who are serving in the military or living overseas. This ensures that they receive your holiday wishes without unexpected delays that could be caused through the mail.
The biggest drawback to an email card versus a paper card is that it has a very brief lifespan and can’t be propped up on the fireplace mantle! There are so many beautiful cards out there these days!
Some other holiday card etiquette tips to note:
- Send your cards out early. Make a point of getting your cards ready to send out no later than the first week of December. This way you are certain the recipients will receive their card well in advance of the holidays – and beat the rush!
- Write the recipient’s name inside. The same way that you would greet someone in a letter, include the recipient’s name inside the card.
- Remember to add your personal touch. A holiday card should be personal. Adding a short note to the card, after the standard HAPPY HOLIDAYS stamped greeting and before your signature, is a nice touch.
- Sign your cards. Remember to add your personal, handwritten signature below the stamped holiday wish on the card. When you are sending a card for the entire family, put the name of the person that they have the most important relationship with first. As an example, if Jane is sending a Christmas card to her best friend from her family, it would be signed: Jane, Jeff, Laura and James Smith. Once the children are living on their own, they are not typically included in your holiday card signature.
- Addressing the envelope. A couple of notes about addressing the envelope: If you’re sending a card to a couple, traditionally you would write Mr. & Mrs., as in “Mr. and Mrs. Johnson.” You can also address the card with the person’s initial only, such as “E. Morrison” (which is often done to prevent people from knowing there is a woman alone in the home). Either way, it’s best to have a parallel between return addresses and recipient addresses so whatever format you choose, be consistent with both.
- Include spouse’s name. If you are sending a holiday card to a business associate’s home, be sure to include the spouse’s name on the envelope.
- Use a label on envelope. Use labels when addressing your cards as mail is processed electronically and it can be difficult for machines to sort and recognize if your handwriting is not immaculate. This may delay delivery, so best to save the handwriting for inside the card.
- Include your return address. Be sure to include a return address on your holiday card.
Another quick note: If you’re sending out a holiday newsletter, it’s best to send them only to close friends and family – those who are closest to you that are interested in what you’ve been up to all year!
I’d like to wish all of you a very happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year! Enjoy the season!
– Margaret
Factoid
Santa’s postal elves will help him answer more than one million letters in more than 30 different languages, including Braille this year.
If you are sending him a letter, his address is:
SANTA CLAUS
NORTH POLE H0H 0H0
CANADA
Make sure you mail by December 17, in time for it to go to the North Pole and back.
Canada Post