* This article was originally published on Simply Laura Leigh *
In today’s digital world there is something particularly special about receiving a Christmas card in the mail. Knowing that someone took the time and the effort to write you a card and get in the mail is a nice little heartwarming gift during the holiday season.
As great as it is to receive a Christmas card is can sometimes be challenging to get them written and in the mail in time. Have you ever found yourself struggling to figure out what to write, you can’t remember who you’ve received cards from, or you forget to get them in the mail on time. If so I am right there with you! So I’ve put together a list of 7 tips and tricks that I’ve used through the years to help make the Christmas card process a little easier!!
AND to help you keep organized and on track I’ve created a FREE printable Christmas Card Checklist to keep track of names, address, important notes, and if the cards have been sent! Just scroll down to the bottom of the post to get a copy sent straight to your inbox!
Start early – This is possibly the single most important tip I can give! It sounds simple, but I’m sure all of us have forgotten to write Christmas cards until a week before Christmas and it’s too late to get them into the mail on time. Which is why I’m a big advocate of writing your Christmas cards early.
I like to write them out and have the envelope stamped and address in either October or early November. Then I put them in a safe place until I send them out in early December. It’s something you can easily get done early and it’s one less thing to worry about when the rush of the holiday season hits.
Keep it short and sweet – You don’t need to write a novel, just two or three lines wishing the person a merry Christmas.
Make it personal – While you want to keep it short you also want to make sure you’re adding a personal touch to each card. Use the person’s name, don’t forget to add kids’ names or even pets names to the greeting. And add a simple sentence to the card that is specific to that one person. Just remember, don’t overthink it and keep it brief.
Get it in the mail on time! – Aim to mail your cards during the first week of December to ensure they make it before Christmas. Now that the majority of people do their holiday shopping online the post offices and postal carriers are extremely busy and delays in delivery are becoming more common. So it’s important to have them the mail absolutely no later than the second week of December.
Keep a list of who you’ve received cards from in the previous years and make sure to return the favor! – If someone has taken the time to write your Christmas cards in the previous years then make sure to add them to your Christmas card list this year. An easy way to keep track for next year is to print yourself two copies of the printable Christmas card checklist (available at the bottom of the post!) and use one copy to write down the name and address of the people you received cards from so next year you won’t be scrambling to remember.
Print return labels – while I personally think that writing the name and address of the person I’m sending the card too gives it a more personal feel I am all about using a printed return label. Because let’s be honest, after writing and address all those cards the last thing you want to do is write your address a million times.
You can print your own return labels, or you can save yourself the hassle and order Personalized Return Labels
( which is what I usually do because you can use them year-round). You can even step up your Christmas card game and get a personalized return address stamp like this one
.
Don’t forget to have fun with it! Getting yourself into the Christmas spirit will go along way to help what can become a tedious process. Turn on a Christmas movie, play some Christmas music, get yourself a glass of wine or cup of eggnog. This is especially helpful if you’re writing your Christmas cards in October or November!
*Bonus Tip* – Buy your Christmas cards in the days after Christmas and you’ll be able to get them at a heavily discounted price!
Get your FREE Printable Christmas Address Sheet and Checklist
Are you ready to finally have a run, relaxing, and stress-free Christmas? Subscribe to my newsletter below and I’ll send your copy of the Christmas Card Checklist, straight to your inbox! And as an extra thank you, I’ll also send you the password to my exclusive Resource Library! There you’ll have access to tons of great printables, checklists and resources for the holidays, motherhood, homemaking, DIY and so much more. And it’s all FREE!
You Might Also Enjoy:
- Christmas Planning By Month – What you need to be doing in October if you want a stress-free Christmas ( With FREE Printable Checklist)
- Christmas Planning By Month – What you need to be doing in September if you want a stress-free Christmas ( With FREE Printable Checklist)
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