Christmas Cards: Reviving an Almost-Lost Tradition

by: Gad S. Lim
2006-12-01

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Christmas cards are old-fashioned, which is a good thing: it reminds us of those old, long ago Christmases which live warm in our thoughts and bright in memory. Christmas cards are also becoming rarer, which is why you should send them: they will be extra special to those friends and loved ones who receive them. Gifts may get recycled, but cards don’t. Here are a few tips:

1. Choose a card whose design and words are appropriate, or make your own. A few years ago, a cousin of mine sent a card featuring her dog – a big, mean looking breed – wearing Santa’s hat. It went over well with her friends, but not with my grandmother. So think about your relationship to the recipient, and decide whether you want to send a traditional, humorous, or religious card.

2. Don’t decide based on size. Big gifts might look better under the tree, but the same does not apply to cards. Remember that the larger the card, the more space you have to fill up. So choose one that is intimately sized and whose blank space you can reasonably fill.

3. Relate what you write to the theme of the card. If the card features boxes of gifts, write about the gift of friendship that the two of you share, which is more beautiful than any gift-wrapped thing. If stars are on the cover, wish your friend that the light illuminating their new year. Don’t have snowmen on the cover and wish someone a warm Christmas – unless it’s obvious that you’re being funny or ironic.

4. Add a personal reference. Perhaps some shared memory from the past year, something which reminds both of you why your relationship is important. Or mention something significant that happened in your friend’s life, and how you share in the happiness.

5. Don’t try to be too poetic. The printed words often do that already – to bad effect! Don’t use words picked out of a dictionary printed in the Middle Ages. If a word isn’t in your vocabulary eleven months of the year, there’s no reason that it should suddenly be a part of it in December. Make your friend hear your voice as they read. Simple and sincere words are best.

Sign them, seal them, and send them. And when you yourself receive Christmas cards, display them in a prominent place in your house. They are beautiful, they remind you of friends near and far, they remind you of all the things that make Christmas a season like no other.

If you have any comments and suggestions, you may send them to info@hotoccasions.com. We'd love to hear from you.

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Related Topics: christmas/new year |