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Christmas cards are a long-standing tradition for many families. But for the uninitiated, the process of sending Christmas cards can seem daunting.
Luckily, it doesn’t have to be!
This article will provide tips on using a Christmas card planner to plan and send Christmas cards, as well as how to keep track of who you’ve sent them to.
When to Send Christmas Cards
The first decision you’ll need to make when sending Christmas cards is when to send them. Typically, Christmas cards are sent in the mail between mid-November and early December. However, if you’re sending electronic cards, you can send them at any time.
Keep in mind that the closer it gets to Christmas, the more likely it is that your cards will take longer in the mail. So, if you’re planning on mailing them, it’s best to send them early.
Last Posting Dates
When sending Christmas cards in the mail, be sure to check the last posting dates for your country.
In the UK, Royal Mail usually recommend a last posting date around the 22nd December for first class post. However, it is always best to err on the side of caution and send as early as possible to avoid any disappointments.
In the United States, the USPS recommends that you send Christmas cards by December 20th.
For international destinations, check with your local post office for specific dates.
Sending Electronic Christmas Cards
If you want to avoid the hassle of mailing Christmas cards, you can send them electronically. This option is great for people who live far away or for those who don’t have time to shop for traditional cards.
There are many websites that offer free electronic Christmas cards. All you need to do is create a profile and then start sending out invitations. Some of these websites even allow you to personalize your card with a photo or message.
Electronic cards are a great modern option and help to reduce waste. However, they can seem a little impersonal and aren’t for everyone. Many people love receiving traditional Christmas cards in the mail, so consider the recipient and what they would be likely to prefer before choosing this option. It’s also easy to miss an email in a busy inbox, so be sure to follow up with a phone call or text if you haven’t received a reply.
Choosing Christmas Cards
If you decide to go the traditional route and send Christmas cards through the mail, you’ll need to choose which ones to send. There are literally thousands of Christmas card designs to choose from, so it can be tough to decide.
To narrow down your choices, consider who you’re sending the card to. For example, if you’re sending a Christmas card to your grandparents, you might want to choose a design that is more traditional. Or, if you’re sending a Christmas card to your best friend, you might want to choose something funny or festive.
If you plan to send a lot of cards, it’s a good idea to buy a bulk pack. There are usually many budget friendly packs available in discount stores. They may not be the best quality, but it’s the thought that counts and they will save you money.
Another option is to send out charity Christmas cards. It’s always nice at Christmas to send a charity card where part of the proceeds go to a good cause. Charity cards are a great alternative to sending a gift and you can often find them for reasonable prices.
When it comes to Christmas cards, there are endless possibilities. The most important thing is to choose a card that you think the recipient will appreciate.
Writing Your Christmas Card Message
Once you’ve chosen your Christmas card, it’s time to write a message. When it comes to Christmas cards, more personal is always better. So, if you have the time, try to write a handwritten message in each card. If you’re sending a lot of cards, this can be time-consuming. In that case, you can always write a generic message that applies to all of your friends and family.
Here are some Christmas card message ideas:
- Wishing you all the happiness your holiday can hold!
- May your holiday season be merry and bright!
- Wishing you a very Happy Christmas!
- Sending you my warmest Christmas wishes!
- Thinking of you during this holiday season.
- Wishing you an amazing Christmas!
Planning Who to Send Cards To
One of the most challenging aspects of sending Christmas cards is deciding who to send them to. The first step is to make a list of everyone you want to send a card to. This can include family, friends, coworkers, and acquaintances. Once you have your list, it’s time to start planning.
If you’re on a budget, you may want to limit the number of cards you send. A good rule of thumb is to send cards to the people you’re closest to and who live farthest away. For example, you may want to send a card to your grandparents, but not your neighbour down the street who you can wish a merry Christmas to in person.
If you have a large list of people you want to send Christmas cards to, it’s important to start planning early. This way, you can spread out the cost of cards and postage over a few months.
Keeping Track of Christmas Cards Sent
Once you start sending out Christmas cards, it’s important to keep track of who you’ve sent them to. This will help you avoid accidentally sending the same card to someone more than once, or worse, missing them altogether! There are a few different ways you can keep track of your Christmas cards.
One option is to create a spreadsheet with the names of everyone you’re sending a card to. As you send each card, add a checkmark next to the name. This method is great for people who are organised and like to have everything in one place.
Another option is to create a Christmas card list in a notebook or planner. Simply write down the names of the people you plan to send cards to and cross them off as they’re sent. This is also a great place to write down addresses and any other relevant information about the person you’re sending the card to.
Final Thoughts
Christmas cards can be a great way to stay in touch with friends and family during the holiday season. When it comes to sending Christmas cards, it’s important to choose a card that you think the recipient will appreciate, write a personal message, and plan who to send them to. You can keep track of Christmas cards sent by creating a spreadsheet or Christmas card list in a notebook or planner. Christmas cards are a great way to show your loved ones how much you care. So, start planning and enjoy sending Christmas cards this holiday season!
Christmas Planners
Check out our Christmas planners designed to make Christmas planning easy. We’ve made sure everything you need is included, from budgeting to gift lists, and more!
If you’re looking for Christmas planning tips check out our post about Christmas planning through the year. We’ve broken down all of the most important tasks into easy month-by-month tasks so you’ll be organised and ready for Christmas.
