I admit I sincerely enjoyed receiving Christmas cards each year as I was growing up. I knew Santa was coming soon by the sudden influx of colorful holiday cards brought by the mailman. I remember fondly my mother allowing me to go ahead and open the cards that included the words “and family” or “and girls” (I had a sister) or “Dear Occupant” as part of the address. And, of course, I got to also open those that actually included my very own name too. An even bigger thrill was receiving a card addressed just to me!

So don’t forget to remember the entire family when addressing those envelopes and remember these pointers:

If you know the individuals by name on an informal basis, go ahead and list them all. For example:
Bob and Mary Jones
Bobby, Barbara and Ben

The more formal treatment would be:
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jones
and family

For something in between you could use:
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Jones
and family (or) and children

Another source of mystery to me was wondering why my last name seemed to change from card to card. My maiden name was Cress and I remember receiving holiday cards addressed to The Cresses, The Cress’s, The Cress Family, and so on. We even got them addressed to The Crest Family but that is an entirely different story.

Rules of thumb:
If the family name ends in O or Y, add an S—The Romanos , The Sandys
If the family name ends in S, X, Z, CH or ES, add an ES—The Joneses, The Foxes, The Cortezes, The Bunches, The Marshes
If in doubt, just add the word “Family” as in—The Jones Family
The use of an apostrophe indicates possession or ownership like The Jones’s House so doesn’t really apply for holiday cards. Of course, if you are sending holiday party invitations you may want to indicate that the party is at the Jones’s House.

Party, did someone mention a party?! Count me “and Family” in!

The holiday season offers unique opportunities to position and grow your business, not to mention thanking those who have been loyal customers you have depended on throughout the year. Consider these tips for taking advantage of opportunities presented during the holiday season.

1. Offer special discounts and promotions. Everyone is looking for ways to save this year and you may be able to capitalize on volume sales by offering a promo code or gift with purchase that will actually generate profits.

2. Send Holiday Cards. Keep your company name in front of your customers and business associates by sending personalized and custom imprinted holiday cards. Front imprint cards are great for a unique visual presentation and staying connected with current and past customers is vital. Maybe you would even like to consider including a promo code or special offer printed right on the card itself as a special added bonus.

3. Relate to your customers. Not everyone celebrates Christmas during this time of year. Be sensitive to your customers by relating to their differences. Perhaps Kwanzaa or Hanukkah Cards are more appropriate. For business it may be better to send Season’s Greetings Cards or Happy Holiday Cards instead of Merry Christmas Cards just in case your customer doesn’t celebrate Christmas.

4. Appreciate your employees. Take this opportunity to let your employees know how much they mean to your business. A holiday office party doesn’t have to be an expensive extravaganza. A potluck can be just as fun. And don’t forget to add each employee to your holiday cards list.


5. Network. Take advantage of all the holiday party invitations you will be receiving by attending as many events as possible. You never know when you might meet your next major customer!

Enjoy the holiday season while remaining thankful and positive. The holidays can be stressful for some but if approached with a positive attitude and viewed as an opportunity for personal improvement and business growth, you are certain to reap rewards for your efforts throughout the coming New Year!

If you read the blog posting, “Support the ASPCA” then you know that holiday photo cards including or featuring your pets are a great way to celebrate and remember the season. But many of us have pets that just won’t sit still for a camera. I know my cat, “Bag-o-Donuts” was one of the worst when it came to smiling for the camera!

Well, if you have this problem but still want to send holiday cards that feature our furry friends, here are some other dog gone great card design options for your consideration.

Or maybe you are more of a cat person. These purrfectly delightful season’s greetings will charm everyone on your holiday card list this year.

OK, so maybe that last cat was rather large but you get the picture! Send us your favorite pet snapshot. We’d love to see it!

Ricky Gervais visited our table at the HBO Luxury Lounge and chose an exclusive CardsDirect photo holiday card to benefit his charity of choice, the ASPCA. Mr. Gervais wanted to share a photo card with a picture of a cat on it to honor his new pet, but one wasn’t readily available. He can, however, upload his own cat photo for a very special photo holiday card, just as you can too!

Pets are special all year long but especially loved during the holidays. Remember to include them in your family holiday photo or feature them all by themselves! This photo holiday card design Mr. Gervais chose to support will result in a donation to the ASPCA through our Cards for a Cause program

Here are a few more examples to help you visualize how your pet might be included in your holiday photo cards once you send us your favorite pet image.

Will you include your pet on your holiday cards this year? Any tips on how to make them say, “cheese”?

It is not too early to begin gathering your mail going to troops and their families stationed overseas. The deadline for the 2009 holiday season is fast approaching. In fact, the United States Postal Service has set Friday, November 13 as the deadline for sending holiday cards and packages to all APO (Air/Army Post Office) or FPO (Fleet Post Office) zip codes.

The USPS sends military mail on commercial airlines, special charter flights and military aircraft, all at domestic mail rates. There are few things more appreciated by our armed forces and their families than thoughtful packages, letters or Christmas cards from home.

Here are some patriotic holiday cards that would certainly be appreciated by those serving our country and their supportive families.

Why not order a bunch of personalized patriotic holiday cards and send them to those who would appreciate them most. But don’t be late, ready your holiday mail now and remember those overseas working to protect our freedoms here!