by Melody Bish

Created on: November 29, 2009

With increasing viability of connecting with people via the internet, less Christmas Cards are actually being mailed rather than sent via email. There are also those who feel sending a Christmas Card is something that should be done only after receiving a card from an acquaintance or family member.

Those who do send Christmas Cards, however, face the decision of whether to simply sign the card, write a few lines, or, as some opt, include an update on the year's events within the family. So, what is appropriate; what should be written in a Christmas Card? In determining what to write, one needs to consider the relationship with the recipient. Family members - a comment on how much the person means to us and update on yearly events. Friends - similarly, a comment on how much the person means to us and an update on yearly events. Acquaintances - a brief wish for a good season and nothing overly personal. Business contacts - a note wishing a good season and, perhaps, noting hopes for additional business success in the coming year.

The specific information written on a card is highly personal and should not be the same from card to card, nor should Christmas Card notes be written for the sender, as even the simplest of comments when it comes from a sincere heart, mean more than any grandiose verbiage a writer might suggest. Mailing Christmas Cards is an important gesture, as it reflects personal care and consideration, so the comments must be personal; even if it's a three or four words.

If your company sends corporate Christmas/Happy Holidays cards, ask if it is possible for you to jot a note in those going to clients and connections which are closest to you, as otherwise the card will probably be signed with a printing press comment.

The time one takes in writing special notes into Christmas Cards reflects a level of consideration and commitment. When a card is only signed, a message just as personal as what otherwise might have been written, is sent; it's as if the sender is relaying how little importance and value is placed on the relationship one has with another.

Maybe it is old fashioned but sending Christmas Cards with sincere notes included make those cards even more valuable to the recipient. The personal touch of writing in cards makes those cards more like gifts than cards which are opened and ultimately tossed in the garbage.

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