Find your Why for Holiday Card Season

If you are like us, you haven’t given much thought to how Holiday Cards came about and why you should keep sending them. But you do think about them every holiday season because there isn’t a year that goes by that you don’t receive cards with pictures of your cousin’s kids, updates about your uncle’s dog, and news of the latest marriage in the family.  

Sending holiday cards seems to have become a tradition that we don’t think much of. We just go on autopilot and send and receive them. We want to get you back in touch, though, with the importance of holiday cards and why you should send them.

Holiday cards became a thing in 1843 when Sir Henry Cole had Mr. John Calcot create multiple cards for him so he could send them to his various friends and family by only filling out the “To:” section on each card. Sir Henry Cole came up with the idea to send the same card to each person in his circle because he was tired, and really didn’t have time, to write out a long individualized letter to everyone—a tradition that was widely popularized pre-the holiday card.

You might be thinking “so aren’t modern holiday cards less sentimental, then?” Well, if you are all about sending long, personalized letters to all your family, then yea, maybe. But to a lot of people, sending a stack of holiday cards out with a short message is perfect and shows that they care about their recipients.

We promise, the task isn’t as daunting as you think. Especially if there is a great motivation behind your reason for sending them. So, here is why we think it’s important for you to schedule in time to send holiday cards this year:

1. They truly are sentimental and important. Even if you just sign your name, pack it in the envelope, and send, it still shows that you thought of the person you are sending the card to. It shows that you wanted them to know that you are thinking of them.
2. It’s been an interesting year. No matter where you are or what you are doing, this year has been strange and tiring. It’s really been a struggle. End of story. Sending a holiday card can spread a little love and sunshine throughout the states. Getting a card in the mail is sure to brighten someone’s day, so why not join in on the positivity spreading?
3. You can reconnect. This year has caused many of us to miss out on important celebrations. Missing out on those celebrations and festivities means you most likely had to skip out on seeing people in your life that you look forward to spending time with. The time that was used to catch up and share the latest changes and news in your life. In addition, the extra time we have spent indoors has caused a lot of people to reach out to friends and family’s they haven’t spoken to in a while. What better way to start a conversation with the person that has been on your mind than with a holiday card?
4. Mail has been a source of joy for many. Since the pandemic began interfering with our daily life, a lot of us have been looking forward to getting the mail every day. It is one of the times during the day where you can be connected with the outside world or get the 10 packages of things you bought online because you didn’t have much else to do but shop (oops). Getting your mail is no fun when it’s just bills and spam messages. But getting a holiday card? Now that’s magic. Sending a holiday card is sure to spark some joy for the person receiving it.
5. It keeps the tradition alive. Nothing says the holidays like tradition. Sending holiday cards is one of those long-lasting traditions that make an impact. Keep traditions going by sending some cards out this year, even if it’s just a few.

This task might seem daunting but remember your why and let that encourage you to get the task done. You just need a plan, an organizational strategy, and some beautiful holiday cards.