by Lenna Gonya

Created on: November 30, 2009   Last Updated: November 29, 2010

Christmas is the season when we have an opportunity to renew our writing skills and connect with family and friends. While writing cards or letters of any kind is somewhat of a lost art, there is still something exciting about getting a special card or note in the mail that we keep and cherish from a friend or loved one. 

Form letters are common at Christmas, but these are a little less than personal, and usually only deal with one or two subjects. They either gush with all the successes and good things that happened to the sender during the previous year,  or, they contain graphic descriptions of the tragedies, that occurred. If you have a lot of letter writing to do during the holidays, this is the best way to do it, as long as you keep it light and cheery. You can always add a special note at the bottom of the letter. Cards embossed with your family name are elegant, but hand signed cards mean that you have taken the time and effort.

Even if you don't include a letter, If you know the person really well, write a little note beside or beneath the greeting that says something personal, like "Hope to see you soon", or "Have a wonderful Christmas". People appreciate a personal touch, so that it doesn't seem like you just pre-signed the cards, stuffed, and sent them to everyone you know. You might even address them by starting out your note using their first names.

If you don't know the person very well, but feel that you need to send them a card, don't sign it Bob and Mary. They may not have a clue who Bob and Mary are, and, if you don't include a return address on the envelope, they will spend the rest of the holiday trying to figure it out. Also, don't get too friendly and personal with casual acquaintance cards. Signing these with love, may be in the spirit of the season, but it isn't factual or proper.

A lot of cards are not only printed with the family name, the picture of the family is on the front of the card. This can be good. You have a picture of the senders, so you may actually be able to identify them. And, if they are friends or family who live far away, you can see how the kids have grown.

Christmas cards are an excellent way to reconnect with those you may not have seen for years, so make your message memorable. These greetings may mean a lot more than you know.

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