by Susan E. Gonzalez
Each year, I do my part to support the U.S. Mail system and send 50 pre-printed holiday cards to my friends and loved ones across the nation, I’m fortunate to have called many cities home and have built relationships with individuals and families in each place that is special to my heart. Friends and former colleagues move just as business relationships are built. December is the time to let your contacts, both personal and professional, know that you matter to them.
As a thirty-year-old single/childless/petless young professional, I feel driven to make my personal holiday card extra special. After all, I have stiff competition with friends and family who have adorable children, significant others and well-groomed pets, featured flawlessly on their professionally designed and embossed cards. I’m an over-achiever in this area, with a goal date to have every holiday card stuffed, addressed and mailed by December 1. But the reality is, sending a card out any time in December works.
If you’re struggling with the perfect printed holiday greeting to send your friends, relations and business associates, I have compiled my favorite ideas to spread holiday non-digital cheer. That’s right, non-digital. Embrace it.
- The time-consuming way: Chose a box of cards that suits your personality and interests. Sit down with a cup of hot chocolate, stream your favorite holiday playlist and handwrite personal messages in each neatly folded card. Papyrus.com and papersource.com offer snazzy designs if you are looking to impress. However, there is nothing wrong with hitting your local Target or card shop to select a print.
- This snappy way. The site, Simply to Impress, is amazing. Photo, non-photo, and business designs that are modern, beautiful and professional. Their shipping speeds are impressive, as is their customer service. http://www.simplytoimpress.com/
- The infographic way. Few beyond your mother want to read your two-page, single-spaced family newsletter. With the advent of social media, your loved ones already know about your family vacation, new puppy and that your kid is awesome at soccer. Why not share your highlights in a fun infographic card? This is also a great idea for businesses looking to highlight their yearly impact. Try this option from Minted: http://www.minted.com/product/holiday-photo-cards/MIN-2A4-HYC/year-in-a-nutshell
- The professional way. No problem. Your department, team or company may choose to send a simple greeting that thanks your contact for being a member of your team this year and share in your success. Once again, simply to impress has excellent options. http://www.simplytoimpress.com/holiday-cards/design-36877-prev-1?die_cut=10
- The “say it best” way. Not sure what to say in a professional greeting?
- Wishing you a Happy Holiday and a joyful New Year. Best wishes from your friends at [company name].
- Happy Holidays from everyone at [company name]. We hope your holidays will be filled with joy and laughter through the New Year.
- We are grateful to have clients like you in our lives. Happy New Year from [company name].
- Wishing you a season of joy and looking forward to continued success in 2015.
Relationship and team building is a critical part of both personal and professional success. A well designed, easily read holiday card is a simple way to tell others that you’re grateful they’ve been a big part of your year — and that you want them on your team in the future.
Happy Holidays.