Christmas can also be one of the most stressful times of the year, and one of the most stressful parts of the season can be getting holiday greeting cards out on time and in the mail.
Start Early. Most stores begin stocking holiday items as early as October, so purchase your cards early and write out a few every day. Choose a time every day to do it, such as during your favorite TV program or for 15 minutes before bed. This will help eliminate the crunch at the end of the year.
Holiday Sensitivities. Be sensitive to the religious preferences of those you're sending the cards to. For Jewish friends, there are Chanukah cards available. If you're not sure of the preference, it's smart to have some generic "Season's Greetings" cards on hand. This works especially well for business associates or casual acquaintances.
Personalize. Always remember to personalize the cards, especially by signing your name. A little note also goes a long way to include a personal touch. But be sure to keep your signature informal. Don't worry as much about a personal note for business associates; a simple signature will suffice.
Get Help. Don't feel that you have to do the task completely on your own if you have family members who can write. Set up an assembly line involving everyone to help write, stuff, stamp and seal the envelopes. Even younger children can contribute by drawing pictures or placing stickers on the envelopes. If you have young artists in the family, you can make your own holiday cards.
If you just can't quite get the cards out on time, don't worry too much. New Year's cards are becoming more and more popular, so it isn't that unusual for your friends and family to receive a later card.
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