Times are tough but don’t let holiday cards be a budget casualty this year. Keep spirits up and friendships close by sending seasonal greetings to all your friends, family, customers and business partners, even if you might think them an unjustifiable expense.

Consider these money saving holiday card tips:

A holiday card is a very personal approach to staying connected and much more valuable than an email or phone call. You can purchase a lovely personalized card for less than $1.50 each, including postage for 200 names on your contact list. You can save even more with larger quantities.

For less than $1, and that includes the stamp, you can send charming holiday postcards. The personal gesture of friendship is still there and your thoughtfulness is certain to be appreciated.

Send a holiday card with a gift card enclosed or mention of a donation to a charity instead of the usual basket of fruit this year.

Holiday calendar cards are affordable and will be proudly displayed for the entire year. With your company name or logo printed on it, this is certainly affordable advertising and money well spent.

When personalizing your holiday cards, go ahead and print a money savings coupon right on the card itself. This is a great way to send thoughtful wishes for the season and encourage business at the same time.

Continue the holiday card tradition and maintain and grow friendships while staying within budget this year. The joy and pleasure you bring to others will come your way in return.

On the sixth day of Thanksgiving I gave this to a friend:

Six fall colored trees

Five decorative wreaths

Four peaceful bridges

Three horns a plenty

Two American flags flying

And a card with some orange pumpkins.

Order your Thanksgiving cards now!

Joy to the World is the message this “Design of the Week” brings. Another in our series that runs through the holiday season, this international greeting is printed on 100% recycled brown Kraft card stock for a greeting with worldwide appeal that is also earth friendly.

This exclusive CardsDirect design features dark brown ink on the brown recycled paper showing a world globe and the sentiment for the perfect message all can appreciate this year. Your custom imprinted verse and personalization is included in the price of each card and a matching recycled envelope is also included.

Type “Design of the Week” into the search box on the CardsDirect.com website to see all the designs offered in this exclusive design series and check back each week to see what new card has been added. Now is the time to order your cards for the holiday season and these printed on recycled card stock are especially attractive and environmentally friendly.

Happy Holidays is the wish on this “Design of the Week” for the week of 10/20/08. Printed on 100% recycled brown Kraft card stock, a variety of green snowflakes float down on this earth friendly seasonal greeting.

CardsDirect offers an exclusive environmentally friendly design to its wonderful selection of greeting cards each Monday through the Christmas season. Selected as a Design of the Week, look for the familiar green sash as new cards are added.

Each card selected comes with a matching recycled envelope as well as your custom imprinted verse and personalization for a greeting that is not only special in design but promotes environmental protection as well.

To see what new cards are added each week, type “Design of the Week” into the search box on the CardsDirect.com website. New cards in the categories of Christmas, Thinking of You, Sympathy and Happy New Years will soon be added.

With the holidays fast approaching I know I’m looking forward to hearing from distant friends and family by receiving their annual holiday cards. I love seeing family pictures as the children grow up. I also enjoy receiving updates from my childhood friends, college buddies and sorority sisters. Even cards from friends down the street are fun to open, read and display each year.

An excuse to stay connected, the annual holiday greeting is the perfect opportunity to confirm friendships and catch up on the events in each others lives. I also enjoy sending these greetings to others as it gives me a moment to reflect on our friendship and share news of what is happening with my family members.

Maybe it has been a few years since you’ve sent cards or contacted long lost friends. Given the state we’re all in, this year may be the best time ever to send a bit of happiness and hope to those you know. Put a smile on someone’s face by remembering them with an unexpected holiday greeting.

To help encourage this reconnecting opportunity, CardsDirect.com is offering a 20% off Friends and Family Discount on your greeting card order. Just use Promotion Code FNF8 at checkout to receive the 20% off discount. Hurry though, the promotion ends on October 31, 2008. Now you have no excuse not to send holiday cards this year. Pick a nice one and have fun sending and receiving traditional greetings from your friends and family with a bit of help from CardsDirect!