Are you ready? Your mailbox is soon to be filled with incoming holiday cards in all colors, shapes and sizes. After you have opened, read and enjoyed each of them, consider this:

Before you toss the envelope the card came in, compare the return address to the one you have on file. Now is the perfect time to update your contact information. You may also want to write this address on the back of the card itself so you can refresh your addresses later, after the holiday rush is done if you prefer.

Many enjoy displaying their holiday cards throughout the office or at home. Tape them to your office door or cubicle for all to see and enjoy. Or make a mobile, hanging them from above to spin and delight without taking up valuable workspace.

At home, line them up on your mantel and sprinkle them around on coffee tables and sideboards. You can pin them to a strip of wide ribbon and hang them on the wall or even punch a hole in the corner and display them on the tree. Holiday cards are fun, colorful and interesting, adding a taste of the season throughout the house. Photo cards are especially fun. Friends that don’t even know those pictured will enjoy viewing them.

Many cards are richly illustrated and would look lovely framed and displayed throughout the year. And make sure you save your Christmas cards at the end of the season. In January I’ll share craft ideas so that you can repurpose these cards for enjoyment next year!

Do you have a unique craft idea to share? Let us know. We’d love to include you in our after-season craft blog.

How sad is this? The US Post Office will no longer be sending letters from Santa at the North Pole. This tradition that began in the 50’s has hit a speed bump. For years children have sent letters to Santa at the North Pole. Postal employees and volunteers have been answering them by the thousands.

Sadly, it seems one such volunteer was discovered to be a convicted sex offender and with children’s addresses and their privacy at stake, the post office has been forced to pull the plug on this longtime tradition. In some areas letters are assigned a computer code so that the return address is not seen. The real town of North Pole, Alaska does not have that capability though so letters sent to the North Pole will not be responded to this year.

Santa’s elves employed by the post office will still answer letters sent locally but how special is a letter from Santa postmarked Dallas, Texas for example?

If you want a letter sent from Santa at the North Pole, here is a way to make it happen. Write a letter from Santa yourself. Put it in an envelope addressed to the recipient with Santa, North Pole as the return address. Be sure and put a first class stamp on it. Next, take this letter and put it inside another envelope. Address that envelope to:

North Pole Holiday Postmark
Postmaster
4141 Postmark Dr.
Anchorage, AK 99530-9998

Letters must be received in Anchorage before December 15. Keep in mind; you don’t have to be a child to get a kick out of receiving a letter from Santa!

Want to know what’s in this holiday season? Fashions are trending to bold royal colors like rich purples, greens, blues and reds. Animal prints and vintage inspired fashions and accessories are also going to be hot items.

The good news is that we have the latest design trends all ready to go in a variety of holiday cards created to impress. Take a look at this designer inspired exclusive photo cards.

Or, consider taking a favorite vintage photograph and printing it in sepia tones. Your Christmas cards will be on the leading edge of high fashion!

Better yet, you don’t have to fight the crowds at retail or wait for black Friday (the Friday after Thanksgiving) to shop and save! For your holiday cards, you can order them online now and be fashionably early.

You’re either in or you’re out! But either way, your fashion forward seasonal greeting is sure to warm those lucky enough to be included on your holiday card mailing list this year!

Have you heard about 5 year old Noah Biorkman? Noah has cancer and his family does not think he’ll be around for Christmas. So, they are celebrating early. When asked what he wanted, Noah answered, “Lots of Christmas cards”.

I hear the cards have been flooding in by the thousands. If you would like to send holiday cards to Noah, mail them directly to:

Noah Biorkman
1141 Fountain View Circle
South Lyon, MI 48178

Holiday cards are a great way to strengthen existing business partnerships and encourage new ones. Holiday cards help you stay connected with friends and family too. Whether for business or pleasure, here are some points of etiquette to be considered before this year’s cards go in the mail.

1. Consider the recipient. With so many attractive holiday cards to choose from, what should you look for when selecting the perfect card to send? You first need to consider the recipients. A card that says, “Merry Christmas” may not be appropriate for business as not everyone on your list may celebrate this religious holiday. A “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings” sentiment may be the better choice so as not to offend anyone.

2. Choose quality cards. The cards you send are an extension of your business and professional image. Very nice looking card designs with matching envelopes on top quality card stock are available at affordable prices. Personalization and custom imprinted verses add a touch of elegance as well. If unsure, work with a vendor who will furnish a sample so that you can confirm the quality before you make your purchase. From a high end unique layered card design embossed and stamped in foil to value cards that are thoughtfully designed and personalized, choose the best option for you and your budget.

3. Personalize. Nothing is more professional or of a higher perceived value than a personalized holiday greeting. Printed in ink or foil, many card designs also allow your company logo to be included as well or feature die cut windows through which your imprinted company name can be seen. You might also want your actual signatures printed as well.

4. Customize your message. Put thought into your sentiment or verse. At cardsdirect.com you have the ability to print whatever you want so make the most of this feature by targeting your message to your recipients.

5. Show off. Holiday cards are generally displayed throughout the holidays. Front imprint cards will easily show off your company name. Even better, Calendar Cards are displayed the whole year long!

Take advantage of this marketing opportunity and send professional best wishes for the holiday season in style. The minimal expense and effort is certain to be rewarded throughout the year ahead.