Expert Tips for Getting Holiday Cards Out on Time and in Style

It’s almost that time of year again when millions of people eagerly look forward to getting something other than junk mail and bills in their stack of mail each night. Every year, almost 2 billion holiday cards inundate the postal system to bring warm holiday wishes to friends and family near and far.

The tradition of sending and receiving holiday cards is an important part of the season for many since it is often the only time of the year when college friends and distant cousins catch up on a year’s worth of life changes. With so many people to shop for and parties to attend, everyone is looking for ways to maximize their time at the holidays. To help out, here are 10 tips from American Greetings Christmas expert Heather Bentley for making the tradition of sending holiday cards an easy task that’s still full of personality.

1. Plan ahead to ensure timely delivery. Bentley suggests allowing enough time for your holiday cards to arrive anywhere between December 10 and December 24. The post office recommends allowing between three and seven days for cards and packages to arrive around the holidays due to the heavy volume, with additional time required for international mail. Make sure you have appropriate postage on hand ahead of time, too. That will allow you to send them as soon as they are done, and you won’t have to plan another trip to the post office as the holidays get closer

2. Shop early for the best selection. Stores will be decked out early for Christmas this year, and American Greetings holiday cards will be available by mid October in places like drug stores, grocery stores and super centers. According to the National Retail Federation, consumers plan to spend over $30 on greeting cards and postage.

3. Take note of blended families and households that do not observe Christmas. Make sure you have cards that say, “Happy Holidays” and other general wishes, and consider using “and family” to include everyone in the home, even if they have different last names. It’s easiest to make note of these special circumstances as you’re updating your address book, which should be done in late November.

4. Tailor card choices to recipients. While close family and friends might appreciate a photo of the kids sitting on Santa’s lap or funny cards that express your sense of humor, more formal “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings” messages are more appropriate for business associates. Individual cards, with their more personal sentiments, are the best choice for parents, spouses, siblings, extended family and close friends, while boxed holiday greetings work well for others on your list.

5. Divide up filling out cards and addressing envelopes into a few short chunks of time. According to a recent survey for the Greeting Card Association, more than half of card purchasers will send up to 25 cards, but nearly 15 percent will send more than 50 cards. Writing out 10 cards a night for a few nights makes the job much more manageable.

6. Enlist the family to help out. With your spouse printing computer labels, you writing personal messages inside the cards and the kids applying stamps and decorative envelope seals, sending out holiday cards becomes a shared family tradition. Treat everyone to hot cocoa and cookies when all of the cards are completed.

7. Make notes on personal items to reference: Bentley suggests taking 30 minutes before you start to jot down a recent vacation, anniversary, a favorite hobby or the family pet to reference for each household so the recipient knows you thought of them. This is easier than trying to think of something personal to mention for every card as you go.

8. Take advantage of downtime to complete cards: Keep 3 to 5 cards in your purse or work bag to fill out while waiting to pick up the kids from practice or while on the train to work. If you typically eat lunch at your desk, use this time to also complete a few holiday cards each day. They can also be completed during TV time and doctor’s office waits.

9. Always reciprocate cards you receive: Keep a few extra boxes of cards on hand to respond to cards you receive from folks not on your original list. Put them out on the kitchen counter or desk with labels, stamps, a pen and your address book handy so you can respond quickly and add the new recipients to next year’s list.

10. Remember, there’s always New Year’s. If you just can’t fit in time to send Christmas or Hanukkah cards before the holidays pass, there are plenty of beautiful New Year’s cards that extend the deadline another week, noted Bentley.

Look for American Greetings holiday cards at drug stores, grocery stores and super centers nationwide, as well as in American Greetings and Carlton Cards retail stores. Visit www.americangreetings.com/retailers for a store near you.

Courtesy of ARAcontent