The holiday season is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start thinking about Christmas cards! Whether you’re sending them to family, friends, or colleagues, a well-timed and thoughtfully crafted card can bring a little extra cheer to your loved ones’ celebrations. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about when to send your cards, how to handle those tricky last names, and how to make your Christmas greetings even more memorable with the addition of festive wax seals.
When to Send Christmas Cards: Timing is Everything
One of the most important parts of sending Christmas cards is ensuring they arrive in time to spread the holiday cheer! While there’s no hard-and-fast rule about when to send your cards, here are some general guidelines:
Early December: Aim to send your cards out by the first or second week of December. This gives plenty of time for the cards to make their way through the postal system and land in the hands of your recipients before the big day. If you’re sending cards internationally, consider mailing them even earlier—around late November to be safe.
Before Christmas Eve: If you’re running a little behind schedule, try to get your cards in the mail by December 18–20. After this point, it’s cutting it close for domestic delivery, and international shipping might not guarantee delivery before Christmas.
New Year’s Cards: Don’t stress if you miss the Christmas deadline! Sending a New Year’s card is a lovely way to extend your warm wishes into the next year. These can be mailed up until mid-January, giving you a little extra time if life gets busy.
Pluralizing Last Names: Addressing Family Cards with Ease
When it comes to addressing your cards to families, figuring out how to handle those tricky last names can sometimes feel like a puzzle. Here’s a quick guide on pluralizing last names and avoiding any awkward mistakes:
For Last Names Ending in "s": If the family name ends in "s" (like "Jones"), many people opt for "The Joneses" when addressing cards. It’s a simple and widely accepted way to pluralize a last name in this situation.
For Other Last Names: If the last name is not pluralized by simply adding "s," it’s usually safe to use the plural form of the name (e.g., "The Millers," "The Smiths," "The Harrises"). For clarity, you can always opt for "The Harris family" or "The Smith family" if you want to avoid ambiguity.
Addressing the Envelope: When addressing the envelope, don’t forget to list everyone in the family. If you're sending a card to a couple with children, you could address it to "The Johnson Family" or "Mr. and Mrs. John Johnson and Family." The key is to make it personal, warm, and inclusive.
Making Your Cards Extra Special: The Magic of Wax Seals
Now, here’s where things get truly festive: adding a wax seal! It’s a small detail that can really elevate the look and feel of your Christmas cards. Wax seals have been used for centuries as a way to add a personal touch to letters, and they’re making a comeback as a charming way to seal your holiday greetings.
Here’s how you can make your Christmas cards stand out with wax seals:
Choose Your Seal Design: Christmas-themed seals are widely available and come in a range of designs. Think holly leaves, snowflakes, reindeer, or even a simple “Merry Christmas” message. If you’re feeling extra creative, you can even have a custom seal made with your own design or initials.
Pick the Right Wax Color: Traditional red wax is always a hit during the holidays, but don’t be afraid to experiment with other festive colors. Gold, silver, and green wax can add a sophisticated touch, while a deep crimson or classic white wax will feel timeless and elegant. Consider matching the wax color to the overall color scheme of your card for a polished look.
Application Tips: If you want to make the wax seal process easy, Ledgewood Fine Stationery offers peel-and-stick wax stickers that take the hassle out of melting and stamping. These pre-made wax seals come in a variety of festive designs, making them a quick and stylish way to add a personal touch to your cards. Simply peel off the backing, press the seal onto your envelope, and voilà—a beautifully finished card with no mess or fuss. It’s a perfect option for anyone who wants to save time without sacrificing the charm of a classic wax seal. Plus, if you’re sending a large batch of cards, this method allows you to quickly add that elegant detail without an assembly line of melted wax!
Crafting a Holiday Greeting to Remember
Sending Christmas cards is a wonderful tradition that allows you to connect with loved ones and spread joy. Whether you’re mailing out a stack of cards to friends and family or sending a single, personalized greeting, the effort you put into the details will make all the difference. From choosing the perfect time to send your cards to addressing last names with ease, and adding a little extra flair with a wax seal, your Christmas cards will be sure to stand out in a memorable and meaningful way.
The deadline to order Christmas cards through Ledgewood Fine Stationery is December 2nd. Click here to order!
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