In our tech-driven, efficiency-obsessed world there is one thing about the holidays I still don’t mind taking the time to do right: sending written cards.
I know. It’s crazy. Sending e-cards can be almost as gorgeous as the real thing. They can save you time, they can save you money, and they can save your sanity during a busy season.
So, why do it?
Create an Organized Gift Wrapping Zone in Your Home
It’s the same reason we still build bonfires when we have the option to turn on the furnace.
The same reason we tinker to find the ideal recipe when we can just order in.
It is the reason that we still choose the perfect picture book at a local store instead of downloading the same content on our iPad.
There is a warmth, elegance, and human-connection that come along with a written holiday card which cannot yet be matched with an electronic one. The holidays are all about connecting—at a slower pace—and this teeny gesture is how I choose to say, “I’m really thinking about you and your family.”
Convinced?
If not, head to Paperless Post and get yourself the best electronic card you can. Bam. You’re done!
If you’re in agreement about sending real holiday cards, then your next steps are:
Your Most Organized Holiday Season Ever
1) START NOW.
If you are ordering your cards online, you will need to do that as soon as possible. The options are limitless. I could spend (errr…have spent) hours browsing the amazing holiday card options that are only a click away.
Shutterfly or Costco or Shoppers Drug Mart or Vistaprint are all great options if you want to put a family photo on the card. There are a range of prices you will pay per card, so make sure you check your subtotals carefully before you check out!
This cool "Merry Everything" card is a Shutterfly pick.
Etsy also has some stunningly beautiful handmade cards. Check out this shop, this one, or this one for inspiration.
For non-photo and in-person card purchases, there is less urgency. For example, you may want to start with the Dollar Store. You can also support UNICEF by purchasing some amazing cards from their website.
Either way, where you purchase is going to be dictated by how many cards you are sending. You won’t know that until you…
2) MAKE A LIST.
If possible, start with an existing list.
Your wedding guest list is a great place to begin. Oh, you don’t have a good list of close family, friends, and colleagues you say? Well, you’re in luck. You will after this year.
Putting a master list into Excel allows you to create and print your mailing labels. Despite what uptight and out-of-date etiquette might say, printing your labels is okay—especially if you are mailing more than twenty-five cards.
Save this list somewhere you will be able to access it easily next year.
3) CHECK IT. TWICE.
It can be pretty insulting to receive a card with your name spelled wrong. Or the name of your significant other’s ex in place of your name. Do your due-diligence and check the spelling of your contacts’ names before you ink the card/envelope.
4) TEAM WORK FTW!
Work with your significant other to create and edit your list. This can be a fun activity! Ok, who am I kidding? Working together on the list ensures that you both know who the cards were sent to, so that you don’t have the awkward “We forgot to send a card to great, Great Aunty Myrna!” The husband and I had some issues with this one last year. We have (*fingies crossed*) ironed it out this year.
5) GET YOUR SUPPLIES.
To successfully set up your card workshop/assembly line, you will need or want:
6) Magic Mail Date.
I like my cards to arrive early-to-mid December, so I shoot for putting them in the mail the 1st of December at the latest. Re-adjust your timing if you are sending cards across the country or internationally.
Also, there is an awesome free Canada Post app for those of us with a smartphone full of addresses but not time to sit down and address cards, which can be used to create cards and address and mail them in one stop. Who knew bureaucracy could be so cool?
I am well on my way to sending a big batch of cards to family and friends this year. Some of the recipients live across the globe, and many live right around the corner. No matter how far these little pieces of paper and ink travel, they carry with them a very important message we don’t hear enough: "We took the time to say, 'You’re worth the time.'"
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