How To Get Ahead on Holiday Mailing
The season for holiday greetings is fast approaching. This year, it’s more important than ever to stay connected to those we love and send holiday greetings early to avoid pandemic related postal delays. Here are some tips for making holiday mailing more thoughtful and fun—and most importantly on time!
1. Mail your cards early
I typically choose a late-November night where I have an hour, or so, to listen to music, drink a glass of wine and put my mighty pen to work. This year, it’s going to happen even earlier with pandemic related postal delays. Aim to have people find your greetings in the mailbox by at least mid-December (it will likely be later this year). Getting your cards signed, sealed and delivered early is twofold—giving you time to focus on other holiday things and guaranteeing someone won't be receiving your holiday greeting in the New Year.
Tip - Check with your local carriers for 2020 shipping deadlines to get your holiday greetings mailed on time. Have them ready in one large batch to save yourself a trip to the mailbox or post office.
2. Use your handwriting + get personal
Here's where the mighty pen comes in. Use your own handwriting to ensure a personal and thoughtful touch. This is especially important on the inside of the card but is also a nice touch for the recipient address on the envelope. It’s a sweet and simple surprise to open the mailbox to find a handwritten piece of mail! Handwriting shows you care by taking the extra time.
Tip - Skip the standard holiday greetings and connect with your recipient with a personal and thoughtful note. Write as you would talk to them in person to make it extra special and personal.
SIMPLE HOLIDAY WRITING FORMULA
Greeting
I was thinking about you and wanted to let you know
How did that make you feel
Heartfelt wishes for them this holiday season and new year
A word hug and farewell
3. Don't forget your return address + stamp
It feels good to send these heartfelt greetings, doesn't it? Well, make sure your recipients can reciprocate that warm and fuzzy feeling by including your return address. It's always nice to see who a card is from before you open it. The anticipation is just as sweet as opening the card itself.
Tip - During the holiday season, you will find special options for stamps (Christmas, Hannukah and winter themes). Make sure you have the correct postage and finish off your mailing with colourful and seasonal stamps or a collection of vintage stamps that add up to the proper amount.
4. Include a photo or something sentimental
This is a great time of year to send photos and reflect on the year. Close family and friends will be happy to see you! Plus, it adds that personal and sentimental touch when we can’t celebrate in person. It doesn't have to be a cheesy family photo, but it can be! Photos of children, families, pets—they're all a nice little peek inside your life that your recipients can cherish.
Tip - Photos are nice, but not necessary. To personalize your holiday mail, you can also send small items with your card such as ornaments, a quote, stickers, art cards (pro or DIY), a recipe, etc. Little things show you care and spread joy.
5. Cards for colleagues and clients
Of course, spreading joy doesn't just apply to friends and family. Your coworkers, colleagues and clients appreciate a handwritten note, too. Happy mail is the best mail—for anyone! Follow the same tips above, but skip the photo and keep it professional, but friendly and hopeful.
Happy holiday writing, swell friends! If you need more writing tips read our past post on Making a Few Words Say a Lot.
Lesley Robb is the Owner + Designer of Swell Made Co. Here, on the The Swell Life Blog she shares the simple things that bring her joy — wine, travel, home decor, entrepreneurship, family life, design and more. Thanks for reading! You’re swell.