Christmas card Manners Articles | Christmas

By: Liam

Christmas cards are a huge economic and social activity. Over 2 billion holiday cards will be purchased, addressed and (hopefully) mailed this Christmas season alone. A majority of us find ourselves giving and receiving cards from family, friends, and work associates, clients and customers.

 But, like any type of correspondence, there are etiquette guidelines that apply when sending out these winter greetings.  Here are a few tips:

 For Friends and Family:

Always sign your cards, even if you are using preprinted holiday cards, it’s important to always sign your name below your printed version.  A small handwritten note inside the card or a photograph will make the recipient feel you truly thought of them this holiday season.  When signing for the entire families always begins with the father’s name, followed by the mother’s and finally he children, or simply write “John, Mary and Family.”

 When sending a card to a couple or family with two different last names, always address the card to both people: John Smith and Mary Jones, or the entire family as in Mary Jones, John Smith and Family.  And, always include the children’s name inside every family card.

 E-mail cards are readily available and save postage but are not a replacement for traditional cards; even younger family members still enjoy receiving a thoughtfully chosen mailed card from a distant friend or relative.

 For Business Associates:

Always mail cards to business associates to the office unless you have met their spouse and met with them socially at some point during the year.  Then the cards may be addressed to both and sent to their home. If possible have someone handwrite the address but at a minimum always use a handwritten signature.

 In situations where you are sending a card to a married woman who uses her maiden name at work, address the card to Mr. and Mrs. (using her married name), if she uses her husband’s name personally.  If, however, she only uses her maiden name, it is acceptable to address the card to both using both recipients full names and titles.

 Business cards should always be written in a more formal and secular style.  Never sign your spouse’s name unless the recipient has met them in a social gathering.  And never, under any circumstances send your personal family newsletter to business associates.

 Finally, even if you are sending out hundreds of holiday cards to a variety of business associates, never use bulk mail.  Always use good quality cards and send them first class. You want to reinforce your relationship and leave the impression yours is a successful business that values the recipients as individuals.

 Special Circumstances:

We all send holiday cards because we mean to give the recipient the feeling they are special and cared for.  Unfortunately, sometimes your good intentions may be misunderstood.  To get the positive result you expect remember these important tips:

 -When sending a card to someone with a different ethnic or religious background, choose a more neutral card that is free of religious themes.  For those who don’t celebrate the holidays at all, or for business associates, opt for a winter scene card with a basic Season’s Greetings, Happy Holidays or message of Peace.

 -In the event your recipient’s are grieving the loss of a loved one this year, take special care to find a card that specifically deals with holiday grief. They may not even look at Christmas cards this year, but more likely they’ll appreciate your extra thoughtfulness.