It’s time to start thinking about holiday cards. “But it’s only SEPTEMBER,” you moan! I feel you, girl. But remember last January when you had a stack of Christmas cards in your face, mocking you because you never actually got around to mailing them? Or possibly you spent all of December addressing and licking envelopes when you should have been licking candy canes and snuggling by a warm fire.
Consider Sending a Thanksgiving Card Instead
Wouldn’t it be fun to start December with all of your holiday cards stamped and shipped and received? There have been years when I’ve sent a New Year’s letter or a Valentine’s card because I just couldn’t get my act together in time for Christmas. But I love the idea of doing it now and being done early.
Rather than stressing all through the Christmas season, prep and send your cards in October and November.
The Best Part?
Your cards can focus on gratitude!
Rather than a blatantly brag-o-docious list of your family’s accomplishments, write a letter or card filled with thanks. What are you grateful for this year? Who has blessed your family during the past 12 months? Not only will a card like this be fun to receive, it will be a blast to write.
Make it Personal
As you sign your name on each card, consider writing one sentence of thanks. This will help you connect with each person you write to. It may also help you winnow down your greeting card list. If you can’t think of one reason you’re grateful for a particular friend, she may not be a close enough acquaintance to merit a card each year.
Easy to Design
There are tons of great card designs online that you can personalize with a family photo. Simplest of all might be to upload a favorite family portrait and place white text across it that says, “Grateful,” “Thankful,” or , “Happy Thanksgiving.” This can be simple, elegant, and takes almost no time. For something more elaborate, check out designs on Snapfish, Shutterfly, Costco, or even PicMonkey
These companies often have options where they will address and stamp you cards for you. It’s too rich for my blood, especially around the holidays, but if you’ve got the cash, it sounds blissful.
Or Buy Ready-Made
If your life is full of work deadlines or soccer games this fall and you don’t have time to personalize something, send a quick note in a ready-made card. I love these cute little chipmunks on Amazon.
There are tons of great options on Etsy too!
e-Cards are Another Option
If budget is a problem or you don’t have the time to address and stamp your cards, consider sending an e-card from Jacquie Lawson or Blue Mountain. They are inexpensive or free and there are some really sweet designs.
Whatever you decide, reach out to your loved ones with a spirit of gratitude and peace this holiday season. Gratitude is like love. The more you share it, the more you have.
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