Well, it’s that time of year again! The time I always send out Christmas cards to our family and friends. It can be a very time consuming task, but I love to receive cards in the mail so I’m guessing others do too!
Every year I buy several boxes of Christmas cards and I was about to do the same until I stumbled upon a box full of unused cards from years past. So, I’m going to use what I have this year!
Since we live hours away from many of our family and friends, I like to include a recent picture of our boys in our Christmas cards. (Just in case anyone forgot how handsome they are since last year.) This year I snapped a picture of our sons at the lake right before they hit the road. I ordered reprints online through Walmart. I am a technologically challenged soul and when it comes to downloading anything, I get nervous. But this was easier than I thought! I ordered the pictures online one day and picked them up the next! I got 65 prints for about $12.
I’m using my Lettermate tool to address the envelopes. This clever little template helps keep your lines straight and neat. I have a fancy stamp I ordered years ago to stamp our return address making that part quick and easy. I like to check the return address on cards we receive in order to verify the correct address and zip code information and I assume others do that too. This way I can update my address book on the spot. The postage stamps are Christmas themed from the post office. I like to get a mix of spiritual and festive holiday stamps.
I have a stash of rubber Christmas stamps I like to use to personalize the envelopes. Some say Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays or a fun winter scene. It only takes an extra second to do this and I feel like it adds a little something extra. I love gold ink but black shows up better. Make sure the ink dries before touching it!
In the past I’ve used computer printed labels, but like I said, being a computer challenged person, half the time they are not centered or something goes wrong. So, by the time I type in the info and print it out, I could have hand written the envelopes by hand anyway. I like to think it adds that personal touch. I also like to write a well wishing sentiment inside the card. It takes a while longer but I really care about the people we send cards to so I want to convey that in the note and card. I want them to feel happy to receive it.
Handwritten cards seem to be a dying breed. I still love to get thank you notes, birthday and Christmas cards from people I love. It really doesn’t take that long, but can have lasting meaning if you save them. I still have old cards from my Mother from different occasions. She always adds a sweet personal note and a scripture. It makes me feel so special. So, in doing my Christmas cards I like to take my time and reflect on the people we are sending them to and what they mean to us. What better time than Christmas?
Merry Christmas to you all! Do you still send Christmas cards? Hanukkah cards? What special thing do you do to your cards? Thanks so much for stopping by! I appreciate it! xoxo Dell & Lacey
