The holiday cards are pouring in! It is such fun to open each of them and remember the sender. It brings a smile to my face knowing that I made the holiday card lists of many businesses and personal friends.

This year I am attaching each card to a wide strip of red ribbon topped with a gold bow and hanging them on my foyer wall. Some years I line them up on the mantel above the fireplace.

How do you display your collection of Christmas cards? I’d love to see photos or hear your suggestions.

I routinely receive Birthday Cards and Holiday Cards from my dentist, financial advisor, insurance provider and realtor. I’m thinking my financial advisor should be sending me Sympathy Cards as well! I enjoy receiving these cards as I know I’m a valued client.

I also enjoy looking at the card designs we offer for particular professions at CardsDirect.com. From Accountants to Home Builders and Attorneys to Truckers, we have the perfect card design for any business.

Sending professional occupation holiday cards lets your clients and customers know that they matter and that your business is doing just fine this year! Don’t miss out on this annual opportunity to stay connected and put your name in front of those whose business you value.

What service providers do you receive greeting cards from?

No need to toss holiday cards once the season is over, recycle them by making them into holiday gift boxes. These small boxes are great for tiny gifts or tuck small gifts in them and hang them on the tree. The boxes are just like those you use for other presents, only smaller.

Begin by taking your Christmas cards and cutting on the fold. You can use the white half for the bottom of the box and the colorful half for the top or box lid. You may need to trim each a bit so they are the same size. Determine the depth of the box by drawing a square at each corner. For example, if your box is to be 1” deep, draw a 1” square in each corner.

Score all four sides of the card along this 1” dimension. Then, make a cut 1” in on each of the four sides to form a tab, folding the tabs up like this:

Fold the sides in and glue the tabs in place and you’re halfway there! Repeat this same process for the box top. For a good fit, under trim the entire bottom card piece about 1/16” so that the top will fit snuggly over it.

Once you have done one box the process will seem much easier and you will be on your way to creating a wonderful collection of recycled boxes you will enjoy using and sharing.

Just too cute for words! Check out these Holiday Cards created especially by Dallas, Texas elementary school children for soldiers serving our country.

Who are you remembering with Holiday Cards this year?

Don’t you just love the holiday season? Holiday cards, Christmas cookies, decorations and parties! You get to see all sorts of family and friends and attend wonderful festive gatherings and family get-togethers. Of course, given the dreaded H1N1 virus we all fear, you may want to pay special attention to your form of meeting and greeting this season.

We all now know to sneeze or cough into our elbows, but what about the obligatory social kiss or welcoming handshake? Many of us expect a kiss on arrival and when we leave but how are we to continue this tradition in a germ-filled world? Consider these steps to proper etiquette with attention to health.

I bet all of us have an aunt who just loves to welcome us with a kiss, if not two! The popular kiss on both cheeks was invented by the French but has become internationally popular. To execute one properly you do not need to actually place lips to cheek. You kiss the air on either side to make it look as if you had connected. This year your “air kiss” can be contained to one side only and you should consider an even wider gap when leaning toward the ear. Be the initiate and you can escape quickly, avoided an unhealthy exchange while preventing hurt feelings.

The traditional handshake too has been modified. Adopt a more “hip” approach by initiating a fist or elbow bump instead! That way you’ll avoid palm to palm contact and get the party started with an upbeat laugh for two. The recipient will no doubt appreciate your intent as well!

Do you have any other healthy greeting alternatives to get the holiday parties and family gatherings off to a great start this year?