by Cinda Smaagaard

Created on: November 26, 2010   Last Updated: November 27, 2010

Writing and sending a specific style of holiday greeting card says more about you personally than expected.  Just like the car you drive or home decor, the annual holiday cards both sent and received speak volumes about you, your friends, your family and even your co-workers and acquaintances.  Here is a simple guide as to what to write and what NOT to write when sending holiday greetings.

1.  Decide if you are going to make a commitment to the religious themed holiday card or not.  Whether these be Christian or otherwise, the card will need to be sensitive to the recipients on the other end of receipt.  Many cards are gloriously designed with great detail which can be a beautiful reflection of one's specific devotion and commitment to their faith-based beliefs.  There is nothing wrong with sending a card celebrating the birth of Jesus, for example, when the family and/or friends on the other side know you and what convictions you hold.  In fact, they may even be disappointed if you do not send that kind of a specifically themed card and the same goes if you are a nonbeliever. Be thine self be true.

2. Second decide if you wish to write a quick note or a classic "Christmas-type letter" because those letters will take time to be thoughtfully drafted and constructed so as not to offend or annoy.  Some folks seem to have a knack for writing them and those which are photocopied, although time saving, really should be avoided at all costs.  Nothing says "I care" like a hand-written and personalized and autographed note from the sender - especially family members who you may have not heard from for quite some time.  If it is a parent, do use the maternal or paternal greeting.  Ditto for brothers and sisters, but do not invoke familiarity where there is none.

3.  If you decide to be contemporary or humorous, remember you run the risk of offending someone.  The deer in the headlights during a snow storm may be offensive to animal activists.  Political statements are not even made by politicians who send greeting cards.  If you send photo cards, make sure everyone is clean, well dressed and smiling - unless of course you wish to convey the family at its frazzled finest.  In no way, should your greetings be irreligious or irreverent, unless you definitely ARE that kind of character and your family and friends expect that from you.

4.  Please make the message legible and correct the spelling,

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