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!

Recognize these

If you’re in advertising and marketing at Sterling Cooper you absolutely know the importance of staying connected with your clients. These Mad Men, Paul Kinsey (Michael Gladis), Harry Crane (Rich Sommer) and Salvatore Romano (Bryan Batt) use holiday cards as a way to stay in touch and reconnect with valued customers, friends, family and business partners.

Savvy in business, these Mad Men have chosen very special holiday cards to sponsor that were designed exclusively for CardsDirect.com. Their real name is printed on the back of the card along with the charity of their choosing. Proceeds from the sales of their selected design go to the charity of their choice. Take a look at the cards and charities each of these Mad Men actors are sponsoring:

Now you can be a Mad Man or Woman too and build your business or personal relationships by sending one of these Cards for a Cause holiday photo cards to those on your greeting card list this year!

The leaves are falling and although any day is a good day to , is right around the corner. In just a few weeks we will all be celebrating a with friends and family.

than at this time of the year. Say , I’m by remembering your customers, business associates, friends and family with cards!

Kellan Lutz plays Emmett Cullen, big brother of vampire Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) in the movie, Twilight. A participating celebrity in our Cards for a Cause holiday card charity campaign, Kellan signed the back of his chosen card design with proceeds from the sale of it going to his selected charity, the Royal Family Kids’ Camp.

This is the card design he chose:

In November 2008, before the movie released, Kellan confessed in an interview his interests in autographs. “His autograph is elaborate, with each letter fully formed,” said the article. “I like signatures,” confessed Lutz. “I remember growing up just having fun doing it for no reason. I liked practicing.”

Back then he would actually spell out his name, “unlike Robert Pattinson who takes a shortcut by just signing his initials,” claims the article. But Lutz did admit that he knew he’d be doing conventions and events eventually which would require him to sign a minimum of 600 and “wow, it took me an hour to do 50. So I might have to get creative.”

Well, I kinda like his autograph! Take a look at it here and see what you think!