How to Write a Christmas or Holiday Card

Posted by Ian McKenzie

Written on October 30, 2009

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Writing Christmas cards should be fun, not daunting. Yet, we put off sending cards, we sit for hours try to decide what to say and wish we could just send a quick text message. Writing the perfect thought or holiday letter will make your Christmas greetings memorable. What you write should reflect you, your family and the spirit of the season.

You have your cards at the table with pens and stickers in hand. Now what? Here are some etiquette tips from Hallmark to help you address and sign your cards:

For family and friends:

Personalize your cards with a little note, and always sign the card – even if your name is printed.
Keep your signature informal – no courtesy titles, and to close friends and relatives, no last names either. Traditionally, family signatures begin with the father’s name, then the mother’s and finally the children, or simply “John, Mary and family.”
If a card is from more than one person, the person who signs it should write his or her name last as a gesture of courtesy.
When sending a card to a couple with two different last names, address the card to “Mary Smith and John Jones.” If there are children, write “Mary Smith, John Jones and Family.”
When addressing cards to family and social friends, include the children’s names.

For business and professional relationships:

Mail cards for business associates to the office. If you are social friends, however, or have met the person’s spouse or significant other, send cards to the home.
Business greeting cards should be more tailored and formal than cards for family and social friends. Messages are brief and usually secular.
When sending to a co-worker in your own office, send the card to the home and address it to “Mr. and Mrs.” if the recipient is married.
When sending to a married woman who uses her maiden name at work, address the cards to “Mr. and Mrs. John Smith.” If she prefers to use her maiden name for all occasions, work and social, address the card to “Mr. John Smith and Ms. Susan Jones.”
Sign only your name to a card for a business associate, unless your spouse has met the recipient.
If your family creates a holiday newsletter, do not send it to co-workers unless you have a very close personal relationship with them.

Special situations:

When sending a card to someone of a different tradition or ethnic background, choose a card with a secular design and sentiment, such as “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings,” or those with general good wishes or wishes for peace. As an alternative, send a Thanksgiving or New Year’s card instead. Hallmark offers many options for these holidays as well.
Take special care following a death in a family. Cards are available with messages of sympathy at Christmas. If the card is to a widow, address her as “Mrs. John Jones.”

How to properly place a card in the envelope:

Insert the folded side into the envelope with the design face up toward the flap.

Mailing notes:

Save yourself holiday hassles by mailing early – any time after Thanksgiving and before New Year’s Day is appropriate.
Mail cards first class so they will be forwarded or returned to you if the address cannot be located.
Include your return address to comply with postal service requirements and to help your friends keep their mailing lists up to date.

Comments

Great pieces of advice as I’m one of those who never knows what to write in a card and to be honest I hate picking cards and sending them!

Comment by David Dunn on November 4, 2008 @ 7:33 am

A very thorough overview of holiday cards. When sending cards to friends, I find it more meaningful when everyone in the family signs the card. I write most of the messages but once they are all set, the entire family sits at the dinning room table and we all sign the cards. It helps teach the children the tradition and the effort involved in keeping in touch.

Comment by Tracy Young on November 2, 2009 @ 7:06 pm