by Susan Hibberd

Created on: December 03, 2009   Last Updated: December 10, 2010

Writing a special message in a Christmas card makes all the difference. A hand-written note is worth a hundred printed greeting cards with just the sender's name added at the bottom.

Think carefully when you are sending your seasonal greeting cards, and take a little time to make each one special. The person you are sending it to will really appreciate it, and when you think about it, taking an extra thirty seconds to prepare a card isn't too much to ask for each recipient.

Some people receive hundreds of Christmas cards, but many receive far fewer, and each one counts, especially if they come from someone dear to them. A printed card is nice, but a hand-written one speaks of far more. You can convey your happiness at a family event, or sadness at a sorrowful one, and you can maintain that special family bond.

Think about the person you are writing to, and choose an appropriate greeting.

Close Family

If you are writing a card to a close family member, you might think that a short greeting is all that is necessary. You might see the person every day. Sometimes, however, we omit to say things, or never find the opportunity to express ourselves. A seasonal greetings card gives us that opportunity.

Think about a special time you have shared with the recipient through the year, and mention that in your greeting. Perhaps they helped you through a hard time or illness, or perhaps they have celebrated a wedding or the birth of a child. Mention how you appreciate their help, or wish them joy in the future, mentioning at least one event in particular so that the greeting cannot be considered generic.

Example: Wishing you joy over the Christmas season. It's going to be hard without Billy, but having a sister like you has really helped me through these last few months. Love as always, Mary.

Less Close Family

If you are writing a greeting for people you don't see very often, you can write about how you would like to see them more often in the coming year, or how you are looking forward to seeing them over the Christmas period.

Mention any family events that you attended together, or any missed opportunities to meet.

Example: Happy Christmas from the Bates to the Pattersons (yes, all of you!). We're really looking forward to seeing baby Emily on Boxing Day, and can't wait to have a Christmas cuddle! Love from Auntie Jean.

Friends

When writing to a close friend, you can consider them to be a family member, and write accordingly. If you have cards for friends who are less close, include a jolly anecdote or promise to meet again soon.

Example: Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We had such fun at your party last week! Let's make it a date to meet up early in the New Year at our house this time. Best wishes, Doreen and Roy.

Colleagues and Neighbors

Quite often you have to write cards to people you don't know that well, but feel you should still reach out to. If you do this, make sure that they know who the card is from, but keep the message simple and short.

Example: Happy Christmas from Sue and Colin at Number 4.

Taking the time to write a personal message in a Christmas card makes it really special, and takes very little time. Set aside an evening or two and spread out the writing time so that it doesn't feel like a chore.

Get out those fountain pens and start now!

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