With that in mind I would like to offer my Holiday Christmas Card Tips as an early Christmas present to you.

Don’t cut the holiday card from your budget.  So often people say, “Money is tight this year so we aren’t sending out cards.”  Well, money may very well be tight but a holiday card costs less than even the cheapest Christmas present, so why not drop the gifts and send the card?  There are holiday cards and offers to fit every budget, including post cards. You can even print your own! I’d rather see you cut your Christmas Card list than the card itself. I look forward to many of our friends annual Christmas Card. I much prefer receiving a Christmas Card than a gift basket of candy, food and condiments that we don’t ever seem to finish and that clutter up my counters and pantry.

Merry Memories by Shutterfly

Family Story by Shutterfly

Always go for a photo holiday card. Those are the ones people look forward to receiving, save and of course treasure.  Especially if they don’t see you often.  Photo cards aren’t just for kids (or people with kids), so make sure you are in it too!

Classic Red Square by Shutterfly

Don’t stress out over the perfect photo.  Feel free to use a collage of photos. It takes the pressure off. Go through the pictures you have taken over the year and use some of them.  It is more representative of who you are and your actual memories throughout the year and will give your card a more personal feel.

Mod Lime by Shutterfly

Skip the Traditional Holiday Letter or combine excerpts  with your holiday card. The truth is that few people can  pull it off successfully. You know who I’m talking about, don’t you?  So why not include sentiments about your family with your holiday card?  It will make it much more personable and due to the space available ensure that you don’t fall prey to coming across as bragging.  Besides, no one really wants to read a 2 page letter about your family, unless they are your parents or grand parents.

Christmas Letter by Shutterfly

 And finally, no matter how your year went: Don’t forget to be Merry!  This is the season spread joy (not grief) and be thankful for your blessings. No matter what happened to you this year, there is someone who has it worse off than you.  So be happy.