|
Do you have trouble sending out holiday cards on time? Many of
us bristle when we see retailers merchandising for Christmas even
before Halloween. Well, this is not going to change. So, why not
take advantage of it? Buy your cards in September or October and
begin signing them and addressing the envelopes a few at a time
over a 3-4 weeks. You will then have no problem mailing them right
after Thanksgiving.
If you have family or friends who live overseas, then it is important
to mail the cards early-- at least 2 weeks prior to when you want
them to arrive. Make sure the address is clear. Printing or typing
the address is preferred. Write "Airmail" on each envelope
and make sure to add the correct amount of postage. Refrain from
adding drawings or stickers, as they might delay delivery.
Be creative! Some think the only way to get a good (though no
always great) photo of your kids for holiday cards is to go to
a local one hour photo studio such as Picture People, Kiddie Kandids,
or Sears. However, the most striking pictures I have received
are amateur pictures taken throughout the year. For example, one
year we received a beautiful photo a friend's little girls wearing
white dresses, walking on the beach without shoes. This picture
is absolutely gorgeous. For our Christmas card one year, we used
a picture of our son riding a horse. Another year Isaiah was fascinated
with with butterflies, so we took a photo of him with a butterfly
on his shoulder and used it for holiday card that year. Here are
some "Kodak" moments that might make great holiday card photos.
o Vacation photos. Photos of kids on the beach or in a pool.
o Eating. As long as the moment is not too messy, photos of kids
eating can be both cute and amusing. Think ice cream.
o Sports. Little League, t-ball, skating, skateboarding, etc.
o At play. Photos of kids doing what kids do best-- playing. The
photos can be of your kids on playground equipment, enjoying a
train set or having a tea party.
o Any special moment. Your daughter in a tutu; your child playing
a musical instrument; your child hugging a pet dog.
Remember, holiday photos do not have to have a holiday or winter
theme!
Let the kids help by affixing stamps, affixing return address
labels, stuffing envelopes and sealing envelopes. Older children
can also help with addressing the envelopes.
Invite a few friends over so you can work on holiday cards together
while you chat and sip on hot chocolate.
It seems as if postage rates change every few months. Here are
some things to keep in mind:
o Square envelopes require extra postage.
o Envelopes requiring hand cancelling require additional postage.
Hand cancelling occurs when a postal employee manually stamps
the envelopes instead of sending the envelope through a machine.
o Envelopes with overseas addresses require additional postage.
o "Custom postage" is more expensive.
o Certain stamps such as Breast Cancer Awareness stamps have an
additional charge that will be donated to charitable.
Over the years I have received some very interesting cards in
the mail-- evidently sent to me in error.
o Sign your holiday cards. I have received cards with no return
address, no photo and no signature.
o Correct recipient. When putting a "personal message"
in a holiday card, make sure you address the card to the correct
person. Failure to do so can be quite embarrasing.
o What year is this? Make sure you put the correct year on the
card. Do not live in the past. :-)
o Nothing says Happy Holidays Like... Put the correct postage
on the envelope. Nothing says "Merry Christmas" or "Happy
Holidays" like "Postage Due."
|
