Sending holiday cards does not have to be a tedious chore. I
remember when I was little, my mom would tape all the pretty
cards around a special doorframe in our house and I would love
to see where they all came from. The pretty trees, stars,
snowmen made it fun to see what the mail carrier would bring
that day.
There is nothing more special than the smile created at the
mailbox from a friend or loved one when they receive your card.
It should be something that we want to do in showing those we
care about that we are thinking of them, not something we feel
obligated to do just because it’s “that time of year again.”
To make sure that your holiday card writing doesn’t become a
chore starts with some very basic planning.
Let’s face it; December is a very busy month, so the time to
plan your holiday card writing can be as early as September
depending on your schedule. The first thing to decide is on the
list. Who do you really want to send cards to? Family, friends,
close acquaintances? There are a number of Christmas card
organizers available, but making your list can be as simple as
going through your address book and writing the names and
addresses on a plain sheet of paper.
Once you have your list together, and you know who you will be
sending them to, it’s time to buy holiday cards. If you didn’t
purchase any on sale from last year, that’s o.k. just make a
note that you’ll do some after-Christmas shopping this year.
Holiday cards can be found for as much as 70% off the
pre-Christmas price, so this will be a great time to stock up
for next year. Keep an extra box on hand just in case there are
a few last minute cards to sent.
Of course, you will also need stamps. Now that you know the
number of recipients on your card list, you will know how many
stamps to buy. Each year, the USPS presents a few different
holiday designs to choose from. Buying them early will assure
that you will be able to get the ones you like.
The next thing to ask yourself is when you want to mail your
cards. This way, you can plan a day where you can take a couple
of hours to sit down and write out and address your cards. I
know this can be challenging, so why not do it as early as
possible? There’s absolutely nothing wrong with addressing
holiday cards as early as October so that they are ready for you
to mail.
Pick a day or an evening when it’s quiet in the house. Make your
favorite beverage, put on some relaxing music or even Christmas
music to gather your thoughts. It’s time to gather what you
need, your card list, cards, and stamps, return address labels,
envelope stickers and your favorite pen.
Wear something comfortable like your favorite pajamas, grab your
favorite beverage and just have a nice, relaxing time. You’ll
get your cards and signed and ready to go and you’ll enjoy a
nice quiet evening at the same time.
There is nothing more special than sending a card personally
signed by you to bring a smile to those you care about. It can
be fun and relaxing if you plan ahead and get organized.
|
