Etiquette for Sending Christmas Cards
Christmas cards are big business; in fact, nearly 2 billion holiday cards are purchased, addressed and mailed each Christmas season. This is because virtually everyone is caught up in the holiday card frenzy. However, just like with any other type of correspondence, there are a few rules of etiquette that apply whenever you are sending out holiday greetings.
Christmas Cards for Friends and Family
Even if you are using preprinted holiday cards, you still need to sign your name and write a small handwritten note inside them in order to make the recipient feel as though you have truly thought about them this holiday season. If you are signing the card for the entire family, you should begin by writing the father's name, then the mother's and finally the children. Whenever Christmas cards are being sent to either a couple or a family that has two different last names, you should always address the card to both people.
Christmas Cards for Business Associates
Unless you have met your business associate's spouse, their Christmas cards should always be sent to their office. Regardless of where the card is sent, you should always write in a more formal and secular style. You should never sign your spouse's name unless the recipient has met them in a social gathering. You also do not want to ever send your personal family newsletter to your business associates. Even if you are sending out hundreds of Christmas cards to a variety of business associates here, you should never use bulk mail. Always send your Christmas cards first class.
Christmas Cards for Special Circumstances
Every time that you send out a holiday greeting, you mean well. Unfortunately, sometimes your good intentions may be misunderstood. Therefore, in order to avoid any etiquette slips there are two important tips that you need to remember.
First, whenever sending Christmas cards to people from a different ethnic or religious background, choose a more secular card that is free of religious undertones. Even a winter scene card with a basic Season's Greetings, Happy Holidays or message of Peace is appropriate here.
Secondly, if you know that your recipient is grieving the loss of a loved one this year, take special care to find a card that specifically deals with holiday grief. They will appreciate your extra thoughtfulness in assuring them that their loved one has not been forgotten this holiday season.
