Holiday Messages

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, especially for the handwritten note advocate!  The holidays are a treasured time, and one of the only times of the year when people really sit down to write special holiday messages to friends and loved ones.  Christmas letters are an age-old tradition for many.  In fact they date back to the Victorian Era!  Sir Henry Cole commissioned the very first commercially produced Christmas letters in 1843.

How to Write Holiday Cards

Today the holiday card industry is as diverse as we are, offering a range of packaged greeting cards and lovely imprinted notes, typically with simple sentiments pre-printed inside.   With today’s hectic lifestyle some people simply sign and address the cards and mail them.   A more personal touch is preferable and you need not write an entire holiday letter — rather a quick handwritten note will suffice!

Before you begin, prepare your writing space.  Gather everything you need, including your:

  • Christmas Card List:  who’s been naughty or nice this year?
  • Pens: A nice writing pen is a must!  Select festive inks colors to match the season.
  • Stamps: The US Postal Service produces special holiday stamp designs each year.  Grab a pack or two on your next trip to the grocery store or drug store.
  • Return Address Labels: commercially available in rolls of stickers, print in sheets from your computer or simply write your own!
  • Holiday Cards: Whether handmade or store-bought, boxed Christmas greeting cards, or even blank cards get the message across!  Our selection of Gratitude Cards by Tara Dixon is also a fun and festive way to send holiday greetings!

Right after Thanksgiving, set aside an hour or two each night to work down your list.  Listening to holiday carols, boiling cinnamon sticks on the stove and a cup of hot cocoa can really put you in the spirit of the holidays!  Promptly address, apply postage and mail them right away to friends and family.  Who doesn’t love receiving holiday cards in their mailbox and the sooner you send, the sooner you receive!

Holiday Card Wording

If you’re not sure what to write in a Christmas card or struggle with holiday card wording — think about the recipient and what they mean to you.  Write about a special connection, memory or event that you shared.   Have you seen them in the past year? Do they live far away?  Do they make a favorite recipe that you enjoy?  Did you share special times with them or their family?  How is their family doing?  Any travel plans for the coming year that might bring you together?

What to write in holiday cards isn’t as important as the sentiment.  Let them know you miss them, you think about them, you remember special times together and any thoughts or wishes for the holiday season and the new year to come.

Each card should be as unique as the relationship or friendship you share!  We’ve included sample Christmas greeting card wording below to inspire you!

Christmas Card Etiquette

While stuffy Victorian social rules no longer apply, common sense Christmas card etiquette still holds true.  If someone sends you a card, return the favor with a handwritten holiday card of your own.  If it’s very late in the season, you may consider sending New Year cards wishing them well as they ring in the new year.

Some people keep their Christmas cards from the previous year to track holiday letters based on who sent them one the year prior.  A blank notebook works well for keeping holiday card lists or simply a spreadsheet on your computer keeps you organized and on top of your holiday cards from year to year.

If you still need help, check out our Tools section or our calendar to see if Cindy’s holding a holiday card writing salon near you!