Getting Carded For the Holidays

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Eggnog and sugar cookies, Christmas trees and menorahs, wreaths on doors, lights strung throughout the house and cards in the mailbox. Two billion to be exact! That’s the number of Christmas and holiday cards Americans will be mailing one another this year. By sending cards we create and share the warm feelings of the season, posting little envelopes of joy to friends, family and co-workers. Our cards will be passed among family members, displayed on mantles and treasured as keepsakes. Choosing cards can be daunting, so how do you crush your Christmas card list? We’ve put together our Getting Carded For The Holidays Guide so you can hit the Holidays running.

1. Make a list and check it twice. Start with family. Aunts, uncles, grandparents, parents, siblings. Are there family members you won’t be able to see over the Holidays? Perhaps Great Aunt Gracie can’t get round like she used to. If so, pay special attention to her with your card. Our charming Biking Santa card with a handwritten message inside will warm her heart. Dear Aunt Gracie, we’ll miss you this Christmas. Thinking about you always and hoping to see you soon, Love Amber & Jack. Friends and siblings give us the chance to be more lighthearted. This adorable All Wrapped Up In Christmas card is sure to put a smile on their faces. Who doesn’t love doggies frolicking in snow?

2. For friends and family who celebrate Hanukkah stock up with a box of gorgeous foil-stamped Hanukka Light cards. Or how about making a special someone’s day with our delightful Pop-Out Menorah card? It’s part fun crafting project, part holiday magic.

3. Boxed cards are like Santa’s secret little helpers. Invest in a couple of boxes from our special Holiday Collections at T.J.Maxx, Home Goods and Marshalls. You can’t go wrong with gold-foiled moose and dancing polar bears! These lovely whimsical cards are the perfect way to spread cheer to neighbors, teachers, doctors and folk in your community.

4. It’s always a good idea to have a box of non-denominational cards on hand so you can share holiday wishes without leaving anyone out. Beautifully made nonreligious cards like our Marshmallow Cozies are perfect for co-workers and professional contacts. Inside, be sure to mention your co-workers families. Wishing you, Janet and the kids all the best this season. If you don’t know the name of your co-worker’s family a little fudging works. Wishing you, your family and loved ones a magical Holiday Season.

5. Don’t forget to put your return address on all your envelopes—even those you’re delivering by hand. Most folk will want to return your holiday cheer and having your address handy will make it as easy as possible for them.

6. Timing is everything. Ideally you should aim to have your cards in the post by the second week of December. The happiest time of year is also the busiest at the Post Office and you don’t want to run the risk of your tidings of joy arriving too late. Set aside a weekend afternoon or evening early to write and address your cards. And make sure Mom’s ready by the phone. You know she’s the keeper of all the family addresses!

7. Personalize and beautify. Turn card writing into a celebration. Invest in a beautiful dual brush tip pen and transform your handwriting into calligraphy. Use the fine tip to write and the thicker tip to decorate and illustrate. For cards to family and friends, adorn your signature with snowflakes, holly and sugarplums. Get festive and creative. If you’re sending a card to your honey, how about drawing a sprig of mistletoe inside?

8. Stop off at your local Post Office and pick up a set of holiday stamps. Choose from Sparkling Holiday or Snowy Day or the wonderful new Kwanzaa stamps. Adding festive stamps is the easiest way to deck out your envelopes in style.

9. Be sure to keep some pretty blank cards handy for last minute send offs. We’ve all been there. It’s two days before Christmas and a card from a second cousin on our father’s side arrives in the post. Hope you have a Merry Christmas, Love Ella and the boys. Uh oh. We totally forgot to send Ella a card. And we’re not even sure we can remember the names of her boys. No problem. A pretty card slipped promptly in the post to the rescue. Dear Ella, thinking of you and the boys. Wishing you the best and brightest New Year. Love, Samantha. XXX

10. Finally, never forgot Holidays are about joy. Creating it, sharing it and receiving it. Sending cards are one of the most thoughtful ways of showing friends and loved ones you care.

Elum wishes you the sparkliest, warmest, most magical Holiday Season ever. From our family to yours.

SHOP OUR HOLIDAY CARDS HERE