Why send Christmas cards?
With today’s countless forms of social media and instant communication, you may be thinking what’s the point of sending paper Christmas cards anymore. It’s so easy to just send out a Christmas email or post a photo of your family on Facebook — but that’s the problem.
It’s so easy that everyone sends out generic messages online and it can become thoughtless and without intention. How much more meaningful is it to send and receive a card in the mail from friends and loved ones? Don’t you get excited when there’s a letter in the mailbox that isn’t another credit card offer or bill?
Paper is real. It’s tangible. It requires actual time, effort, and sincere intention.
A Christmas card shows that you care. For many on our Christmas lists, this may even be the main way we stay connected from year to year.
I would even argue that Christmas cards aren’t so much for our besties that we constantly communicate with, but that it’s even more for those loose connections, distant family or old friends we seldom see.
Christmas cards are a great way to reconnect with someone or reach out and strengthen a tie. You can use a card to connect with neighbors and people you work with. Its the perfect way to say thank you for your business for old and new clients alike.
Christmas cards aren’t just for your parents’ generation, or a waste of money and paper. These days, paper cards are an even bigger investment in your relationships — old and new.
Who should I send cards to?
Obviously first on the list is your family and good friends — they’ll love an updated photo of you and your family on their fridge. Beyond the obvious, you should consider sending Christmas cards to more acquaintances, work connections, and neighbors.
It’s these weak ties that will benefit most from receiving a card from you. They’ll likely be honored to be on your list, worthy of a Christmas card — that you thought of them. Your relationship will surely be boosted with this thoughtfulness and, if you’re in a networking or sales business, you may even win some new clients this way.
So, here’s a list to get you thinking about who you should send a Christmas card to:
Strengthening Community Ties
- Your neighbors
- Your landlord or tenants
- Your pastor or church friends
- Your paper deliverer & mailman
- Your children’s teachers
- Your favorite barista, bartender, babysitter, hairstylist
- People in your gym, hobbies, or clubs
Growing Your Business Network
- Boss/employees/coworkers
- People whose business you want to win this year
- People you did business with this past year
- Influential industry connections
- Professional contacts such as your real estate agent, lawyer, accountant, etc.
- People in your professional organizations or networking events
- Anybody and everybody that has done you a favor in the past year — say thanks
Spread a Little Joy
- Someone you know in a retirement center
- Someone who has impacted your life in the past
- Parents of your children’s friends
- A soldier you know at home or on deployment
Christmas cards are worth more than just the paper they’re printed on, they can impact your relationships and your business. Show your friends, family and community that you care with our customized Christmas photo cards.
All the photos in our sample Christmas cards are the amazing work of Emily Gigoux Photography. Book one of her holiday mini-sessions for 10% off your order of Lively Letter Co. Christmas Cards!
