American Greetings Blog

  • facebook
  • Pinterest
  • twitter
  • instagram
  • Holidays
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year’s
    • Valentine’s Day
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Easter
    • Mother’s Day
    • Father’s Day
    • Independence Day
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Other Holidays
  • Celebrations
    • Birthday Fun Facts
    • Party ideas
    • Patriotic
    • Wedding
    • Anniversary

About American Greetings

Here are my most recent posts

Printable Inspirational Quotes

February 15 By American Greetings

Somedays, you just need a little encouragement. Whether its motivation to stick with your New Year’s resolutions, confidence to face the challenges ahead, or a few kind words to get you through the day. That’s why we pulled together 6 inspirational quotes and put them on a single printable sheet that you can cut out and leave for those around you.

We even came up with a few suggestions for how you can use these quotes to spread happiness, laughter and love.

Printable Inspiration Quotes


Someone who could use a smile:

Printable Quote Make someone smile - printable quote

Days are busy and sometimes we forget to show gratitude to those who mean the most to us. Pair the quote, “I’m thankful you’re in my life,” with a little piece of
chocolate to remind those important people you care about them.

Another idea is to leave the, “There are certain people who, without knowing it, make this world a little brighter and a little nicer… did you know you’re one of them,” quote on your significant others windshield or your coworkers computer screen. Your thoughtful gesture will be sure to put a smile on their face and start their day off on the right foot.

 

To help someone stay motivated:

Determination quote - Printable Motivational Quote - Print Out

New Year’s resolutions are all about change, but change can be difficult, as we get caught up in our own routines. If someone you know had a set back with their resolution or just need some words of encouragement, “Determination gives you the resolve to keep going in spite of the roadblocks that lay before you,” is a great quote for them.

You can also leave, “Good, better, best. Never let it rest. ‘Til your good is better and your better is best,” on the bathroom mirror or their desk to remind them you’re rooting for them! A little encouragement can go a long way on the road to change.

 

Someone who is having a bad day:

Eleanor Roosevelt - Printable Quote Helen Keller - Printable Quote

Reminding people you care about them can significantly improve their day and strengthen your relationship. If you know someone is having a less than perfect day, bring them a cup of coffee with the quote, “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow,” to turn their day around.

“With a new day comes new strength and new thoughts,” is also a great quote to help boost someone’s mood.

 

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblr

Filed Under: Downloadables, Quotes, Uncategorized

Printable Valentine’s Day Shopping List

February 2 By American Greetings

AG_CB_VAL_Blog_Banner_shopping_List

If Valentine’s Day seems to be sneaking up on you, you’re not alone. The holiday is fast approaching, and it can be hard to stay organized when there’s a lot to be done – treats to make for class parties, finding valentines for your kids to exchange with friends, picking out the perfect Valentine’s Day cards for everyone on your list, etc.  Speaking of lists, we thought we’d do our part to help keep you organized with this fun, (and FREE) printable Valentine’s Day shopping list.

This sweet printable includes a shopping list so you won’t forget anything you need, and open notes section to write down extra reminders, and adorable little love notes you can cut out and leave in lunch boxes, school folders, or around the house for your sweetie.

Printable Valentine's Day Shopping List

Pin these printables today!
AG_CB_VAL_Shopping_List_FB_LINK_PIN

Save

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblr

Filed Under: Inspiration, Printable, Valentine's Day Tagged With: Printable Valentine's Day Notes, Printable Valentine's Day Shopping List, Valentine's Day Card

Happy February! (Free Desktop/Mobile Backgrounds)

February 2 By American Greetings

AG_CB_VAL_Blog_Banner_Desktop

It’s February–home to one of the sweetest holidays of all—Valentine’s Day!

To keep your New Year going in the right direction, we thought we’d create a wallpaper to remind you of all the new opportunities and experiences that await you in 2017. You can download this free, beautiful background on your desktop and mobile device, and even set it as your Facebook cover photo.

We hope this background inspires you every time you look at your phone or computer screen! Happy February!

February 2017 Calendar

 

2560 x 1440 / 1680 x 1050 / 1440 x 900 / 1280 x 800 /

Mobile Background / Facebook Cover Photo

Click here for directions on how to change your backgrounds.

Pin this download today!
AG_CB_VAL_Wallpaper_FB_LINK_PIN

Save

Save

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblr

Filed Under: Desktop Calendar, Downloadable Background, Valentine's Day Tagged With: February 2017 Calendar, February Calendar, February Desktop and Mobile Backgrounds

Free Valentine’s Day Printable Quote

February 2 By American Greetings

AG_CB_VAL_Blog_Banner_love_quote

Valentine’s Day is coming up on Tuesday, February 14th and to celebrate, we created this free printable Valentine’s Day quote just for you! This free printable artwork is perfect to frame and give as a thoughtful Valentine’s Day gift or display in your home as holiday decor–and a lovely reminder of what’s really important in life!

Free Valentine's Day Printable Quote

Download and print this free Valentine’s Day quote PDF HERE to make a lovely gift they can display all year round!

Looking for other great ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Click here for date ideas, sweet treats, crafts and more!

Love this quote? Pin it today!
AG_CB_VAL_Quote_FB_LINK_PIN

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblr

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Free Printable February Calendar

January 31 By American Greetings

AG_CB_VAL_Blog_Banner_calendar

February is here, and if you’ve walked around any store, or browsed any website recently, you know Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! But beyond Valentine’s Day, there are several other fun holidays celebrated throughout the month. We’ve created a Free, Printable February Calendar for you to print out and mark with these holidays, as well as upcoming birthdays you want to remember, and any other important dates you want to make note of.

 Printable February Calendar Other holidays we think you might enjoy celebrating in February include:
Groundhog Day (2/2)
Do you think Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow? Make a fun family bet!

Make a Friend Day (2/11)
It’s always great to make new friends. Try talking to someone you don’t know so well today, and talk to the little ones in your life about the importance of making new friends.

Random Acts of Kindness Day (2/17)
We love this day. Treat a friend or coworker to a cup of coffee, or leave a little note of gratitude for someone special.

National Drink Wine Day (2/18)
Red? White? Rose? Cheers to this fun holiday!

The 89th Academy Awards (2/26)
Whether you’re planning on going to an Oscar party, or watching in your pj’s, this always an exciting night!

Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday (2/28)
Eat, drink, and have fun on this day of celebration!

Pin the calendar!
AG_CB_VAL_Calendar_FB_LINK_PIN

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblr

Filed Under: Calendar, Printable Calendar, Printables, Valentine's Day Tagged With: Free Printable February Calendar, Printable February Calendar

What to write in a Valentine’s Day card

January 27 By American Greetings

 

What to Write in a Valentine's Day card

Thoughts from American Greetings Writing Studio Creative Director Rochelle Lulow…

Real Love…Real Life

We’ve been creating Valentine’s Day cards for a long time–and along the way, we’ve seen the words we use to talk about love have changed, too. Today’s romantic relationships are about “real love” and “real life.” Being in love isn’t something that you are in, or fall into – it’s something that you do. It’s about everyday living, and the little things you do for (and with!) each other that mean the most. Like a goodbye kiss as you head out the door, and saying “I love you” when you say goodnight… it’s the little ways you share love every day!

Love is Ever Changing

Our romantic relationships start out new and evolve into stronger bonds as time goes by. That means we may say, and feel, different things as our relationship grows. From playfulness to passion, to commitment and endurance, and everything in between – from how it all started to what it has become – that’s the where the things you want to say in a card come from.

What to write in a Valentine’s Day card–

When it comes to what you want to say, these ideas might help…

  • Think back to when you first met, maybe a special time you’ve shared, or look at favorite photos, and think about how these things make you feel…try putting that feeling into words…that becomes the “story” you write.
  • Try playing songs that make you think of that person…it’s a great backdrop that can set the mood for writing.
  • Create a list of words that describe the person or special things about him, or her, that you love – those words are great ideas for what you might want to say.
  • Think of it as a conversation… like you would be talking to that person…the words will come easier that way, and will be said the way you would say it.
  • Just before you sign it, try writing your own ending, like “Forever in love with you,” “I love you, and I love us,” or “You’re my everything”…it brings a meaningful wrap up to your thoughts.
  • Write as much, or as little, as you’d like…it’s not about how long it is…it’s about how meaningful it is…a few simple sentences that describes that person, how grateful you are, and everything that you love about that person is what matters!

Love and life go hand in hand. You’re in it together–caring, sharing, hugging, holding, laughing, crying, trusting, supporting, and loving each other through it all… Because that’s what real love is!

Wishing you love, Rochelle

Still need some help? We’ve got you covered. From funny to sweet, romantic to risque, we have a great selection of Valentine’s Day cards you can print at home. Click here to view our collection!

Printable Valentines

 

Save

Save

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblr

Filed Under: Valentine's Day, What to write Tagged With: Valentine's Day Cards, What to write, what to write in a Valentine's Day card

Happy January! (Free Digital Download)

January 9 By American Greetings

The holidays are behind us and the novelty of our New Year’s resolutions is starting to fade.  Instead of getting back into our usual routines, we need to remember that the changing of the calendar from one year to the next should inspire us to take on new challenges and seek new beginnings.

To keep your New Year going in the right direction, we thought we’d create a wallpaper to remind you of all the new opportunities and experiences that await you in 2017. You can download this free, beautiful background on your desktop and mobile device, and even set it as your Facebook cover photo.

We hope this background inspires you every time you look at your phone or computer screen! Happy 2017!

January New Years Quote Background

 

2560 x 1440 / 1680 x 1050 / 1440 x 900 / 1280 x 800 /

Mobile Background / Facebook Cover Photo

Click here for directions on how to change your backgrounds.

 

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblr

Filed Under: Downloadable Background, Downloadables, New Year's, Uncategorized

Decorate all of your Christmas gifts for under $5!

December 22 By American Greetings

AG_FB_Poinsettias_Tutorial_Title

Would you like to add a little extra flair to your wrapped present, but don’t have a lot of time or extra budget? If so, we have a solution for you! Adding a statement piece that’s truly unique to your gift doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Here at American Greetings, we came up with an easy poinsettia flower embellishment that anyone can create… no special tools or extra skill sets required! Using just a few simple items, you can decorate all of your gifts in no time!

Here’s what you’ll need:

  1. Wrapped present
  2. Crepe paper
  3. Curling ribbon
  4. Scissors
  5. Double-sided tapeAG_FB_LINK_Poinsettias_Tutorial_Items_NeededFirst, we’re going to take a shortcut by wrapping the curling ribbon around your gift (both side/side and up/down) and attaching it with double sided tape. This is an amazing trick because it keeps you from having to flip your package around and struggle to tie a tight knot. It also saves time and keeps your ribbon flat on both the front and the back of the package.AG_FB_LINK_Poinsettias_Tutorial_Curling_RibbonNext, you take your crepe paper and lay it out about the length of your hand.  Layer it back and forth 8 times. Don’t worry about making them perfectly even, because next you’re going to trim each end anyways.AG_FB_LINK_Poinsettias_Tutorial_Crepe_Paper_WrapCut off the excess on each side so that your crepe paper is about 5″ long.AG_FB_LINK_Poinsettias_Tutorial_TrimTo create the flower, take two pieces at a time and pinch the sides together at the middle. Grab two more pieces and do the same thing, adding them next to the first pieces. Continue this with the rest of crepe paper pieces.

    Use the curling ribbon to tie a knot around the crepe paper at the pinched middle and cut off any extra ribbon. Then, cut the ends of the crepe paper into a point to make the petals of the flower.

    AG_FB_LINK_Poinsettias_Tutorial_Petals_Number

    Next, add the poinsettia to your gift by using double sided tape. Taping the flower onto the package will hold it in place while you trim your petals into the perfect shape.

    AG_FB_LINK_Poinsettias_Tutorial_Attach

    Lastly, trim your petals into a “V” shape.AG_FB_LINK_Poinsettias_Tutorial_Cut_PetalsThere you have it – a pretty package that will have people thinking, “That’s so crafty!”

     

    AG_FB_LINK_Poinsettias_Tutorial_End_SceneFrom all of us at American Greetings, happy holidays and happy wrapping!

    Still need some extra help? Watch our full video tutorial below:

Save

Save

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblr

Filed Under: Uncategorized

How to Tie a Bow (for people who can’t tie bows!)

December 20 By American Greetings

AG_FB_Bow_Tying_Tutorial_Title

Don’t know how to tie a bow? No problem!

Creating a full and pretty bow to add to a gift can feel like a big challenge for the average person. But don’t worry! Here at American Greetings, we came up with an easy bow hack using a common household item that will have you looking like a bow-tying professional in no time!

You’ll need:

  1. A wrapped present
  2. Wire ribbon (about 10 ft.)
  3. Curling ribbon
  4. A paper towel roll
  5. Scissors
  6. Tape

AG_FB_LINK_Bow_Tying_Tutorial_Supplies

To start off, cut down the paper towel roll to about the length of your hand (for reference, that’s about 7-8”). Place your hand against the roll and cut just above your fingers. Discard the small end; you’ll use the larger section to make your bow.AG_FB_LINK_Bow_Tying_Tutorial_Cut_Roll

Starting about ¾ of the way down the power towel roll, gently wrap the wired ribbon around the paper towel until the ribbon runs out. Using the entire spool of ribbon will create a big, beautiful bow!

AG_FB_LINK_Bow_Tying_Tutorial_Ribbon

Gently remove the paper towel and fold both sides of the ribbon toward each other long ways to find the middle. Then, cut a small slit on each side, about 1/3 of the way through each side of the ribbon.

AG_FB_LINK_Bow_Tying_Tutorial_Cut_Ribbon

Now, take the curing ribbon and tie it tightly in a knot between the two slits.

AG_FB_LINK_Bow_Tying_Tutorial_Tie-Ribbon

Then, tape the ends of the curling ribbon to your gift to attach the bow and cut off any excess curling ribbon. We’ve found it easier to secure your bow to your present before you begin to fluff it.

AG_FB_LINK_Bow_Tying_Tutorial_Tape-RibbonFinally, spread out the loops of ribbon. Twist and pull up on each loop to create volume. Loops of ribbon often look good in 3’s, so pull three of them towards the middle. Play with it a little to get it the way you like.

AG_FB_LINK_Bow_Tying_Tutorial_Fluff_BowYou’ll find yourself with one strip of excess ribbon. If you’re using single-sided, it may even be upside-down. Twist it over and then finish it by cutting a “V” in it so that it looks finished.

AG_FB_LINK_Bow_Tying_Tutorial_Finish

There you have it – a pretty bow that will have people thinking, “That’s so crafty!”

Still need some extra help? Watch our full video tutorial below:

From all of us at American Greetings, happy holidays and happy wrapping!

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblr

Filed Under: Christmas, Crafting, DIY Tagged With: bow tying, bow tying tutorial, Christmas wrapping, diy, how to make a bow, how to tie a bow, wrapping presents

Christmas Cards for Hailey!

December 9 By American Greetings

AG_FB_LINK_Christmas_Cards_For_Hailey

Christmas is just around the corner. And as some kids are asking Santa for the newest toy to leave under the tree, one little 9-year-old girl is asking for something else… Christmas cards! Hailey was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2014 and is currently receiving chemotherapy treatments. This time of year can be especially hard for her, so Hailey and her mom are asking for Christmas cards to help lift her spirits.

Here at American Greetings, we love stories that spread happiness, laughter and love. So we’re hoping you’ll help us fulfill Hailey’s wish this year by joining us in sending her Christmas wishes from around the world and letting this little girl know she is very, very loved!

*****

EDIT 12/19/16 – Thank you to everyone who signed cards for Hailey. We heard from more than 34 states and 8 countries! The cards will be on the way to Hailey shortly, so that they arrive in time for Christmas!

*****

Thank you for helping us to make sure that Hailey knows that she is loved by people near and far!

Save

Save

Save

Save

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblr

Filed Under: Uncategorized

How to Make a Delicious Christmas Wassail Recipe in 5 Easy Steps

December 9 By American Greetings

Christmas Wassail Recipe

You may have sung this holiday carol since childhood and, to this day, still have no idea what wassail, or wassailing is. Coming from the Anglo-Saxon waes hael , the word literally means ‘be you healthy’ or ‘good health’ and was first used as a simple greeting before being turned into a traditional drinking beverage. (Which is why, “To your health!” is often said when drinking with others.)  This hot, mulled cider became the focal point of “wassailing,” which started as a Medieval drinking ritual as an honor to the trees, intended to ensure a good cider apple harvest the following year. The tradition later changed from going orchard to orchard, to going door to door with a large, ornate bowl asking for it to be filled, which became the custom of wassailing – or the habit of visiting neighbors, singing carols, and sharing drink  — much like our customs today of caroling and Mumming. Plus, enjoy a delicious Christmas Wassail Recipe below.

The phrase Waes hael caught on as a common toast  due to the piece of toast or crisp breads that were traditionally floated on top of the wassail, which is where our phrase, “Let’s have a toast,” or “I’ll toast to that!” comes from. Traditionally made of mulled ale, curdled cream, eggs, cloves, ginger, nutmeg and sugar with pieces of toast and roasted apples floating in it, wassail was also sometimes called ‘Lamb’s Wool’ because the pulp from the roasted apples made it look frothy, resembling soft wool. The legendary drink was served on the Feast of the Three Kings, or Twelfth Night, which marks the three wise men’s visit to baby Jesus, but the wealthy drank Wassail on all the 12 days of Christmas.

If you haven’t made wassail before – time for a new tradition! Plus, your house will transform into a cozy Christmas cottage the minute this sweet pot of joy-joy starts simmering. There are many variations of wassail but most all of them contain several basic ingredients, and you can make it with hard cider and brandy or forgo the alcohol altogether to make it kid-friendly like the delicious wassail we’re sharing here. We promise that it will wrap you in warm yuletide cheer the entire season.

Step 1: Pour apple cider into your pot, then add the orange juice, and lemon juice and gently stir together until well blended.

Wassail_Step_01.1Wassail_Step_01

Step 2: Add the hibiscus tea bags, cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg, and star anise.

Wassail_Step_02

Step 3: Slice the ginger and add in with the juniper berries.

Wassail_Step_03

Step 4: Lastly, make round slices with your apple and orange and add them to your pot.
Tip: if you’d like, you can stud your orange slices with cloves on the edge of the peel or on the top for a festive look.
Wassail_Step_04

Step 5: Set the slow cooker to high heat and cook for 3-4 hours, until the color has darkened and the fruit is soft. If using a pot on the stove, allow to simmer all day, then remove the tea bags and serve hot.
Wassail_Step_05

We hope you’ll enjoy the warmth and comfort of this traditional drink all throughout the season. May you drink it in ‘good health’ with your family and friends. “To your health!”

Pin this recipe for later:

AG_FB_LINK_BLOG_Wassail

Save

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblr

Filed Under: Christmas, How-to, Printables, Recipes Tagged With: Christmas Wassail Recipe, How to make Wassail, Wassail Recipe, What is Wassail

What is Figgy Pudding? (Figgy Pudding Recipe Card)

December 7 By American Greetings

Figgy Pudding Recipe

Have you ever stopped to wonder, “Wait, what exactly is figgy pudding?!” We’re here to explain, and we have a yummy Figgy Pudding Recipe for you!

Dating back to at least the 16th century, figgy pudding (a dense, moist, cakelike dessert also called “plum pudding” or “Christmas pudding”) was part of an old English tradition where the wealthy would hand it out as a treat to carolers on Christmas Eve to brave the chilly night.

In time, figgy pudding became part of another popular British tradition, too, called “Stir-Up Sunday,” which took place on the Sunday before Advent each year. Entire families would get together to make their Christmas pudding, with each member taking turns stirring the mixture and wishing for good luck.

Some fun facts:

  • The original recipe contained 13 ingredients to represent Jesus and his 12 disciples.
  • Stirring was done from East to West to remember the Wise Men who visited Jesus after his birth.
  • Coins were traditionally added to the batter to bring luck to anyone who found them in their “pud.” (We wouldn’t suggest doing that today!)
  • The garnish of holly represented Jesus’s crown of thorns.

Today, the figgy pudding recipe is more like something akin to fruitcake—certainly more cake-ish than pudding-ish—that’s been steamed and served flambé. It’s an extra-special holiday treat that’s as delicious as it is unique.

Now that you know what it is, it’s the perfect time to make one for the holiday season! Click here to print your free recipe card. Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

Figgy Pudding Recipe

Love it? Share it! Pin these instructions for later:

AG_FB_LINK_FiggyPudding_Recipe

Save

Save

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblr

Filed Under: Christmas, Printables, Recipes Tagged With: Figgy Pudding Recipe, How to make Figgy Pudding, Printable Recipe Card for Figgy Pudding, What is Figgy Pudding

How to Roast Chestnuts in 5 Easy Steps

December 5 By American Greetings

AG_FB_BLOG_Chestnuts_Quote

They’re tender. Sweet. Aromatic. Buttery. And simply delicious. So if visions of roasted chestnuts (rather than sugar plums) are dancing in your head, it’s time to learn how to roast chestnuts at home!

But…you probably don’t want to do it over an open fire (unless you really insist). Rather, in an oven. In your home. Whenever you feel like it. It’s not complicated. Or hard. Or overly time consuming either. But it’s sure worth it…down to the very last delectable bite! So without further ado, here are 5 easy steps to learn how to roast your very own chestnuts (in season from late September through late December):

Step 1: Choose the best chestnuts you can find. They should be heavy for their size with smooth, shiny, and unblemished skin. Avoid nuts that rattle or have mold on their surface (both mean they’re old). Tip: Store fresh chestnuts in your fridge for up to 1 month or in your freezer for up to 4 months. Bring to room temperature before roasting. Once roasted, they should be eaten within 4 days.
AG_FB_Chestnuts_step_01

Step 2: Grasp each chestnut firmly and carefully cut a long slit across the rounded top with a sharp serrated bread knife. Be sure to cut just through the shell and into the flesh. Alternatively, you can use a sharp, pointy paring knife to cut an X on the flat side of each chestnut. Again, make sure it goes through the shell. Tip: Both methods allow the steam to escape while cooking and make peeling a lot easier.

AG_FB_Chestnuts_step_02

Step 3: Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place chestnuts in a baking pan or rimmed baking sheet (or on a heavy baking sheet) slit-side up. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the cuts you’ve made burst open and the visible flesh is golden brown. Tip: Occasionally shake the pan while baking to avoid burning the chestnuts.

AG_FB_Chestnuts_step_03

Step 4: Remove from oven and as soon as you can handle them with a bare or gloved hand, start peeling. Remove and discard each shell and inner paper skin. Tip: Don’t wait too long until they’ve cooled because they will be much more difficult to peel then.

AG_FB_Chestnuts_step_04

Step 5: Serve warm…or let cool for use as an ingredient in a favorite recipe. Either way, enjoy!

AG_FB_Chestnuts_step_05

Love it? Share it! Pin these instructions for later:

AG_FB_BLOG_Chestnuts

Save

Save

Save

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblr

Filed Under: Christmas, How-to, Recipes, Tips Tagged With: How to roast chestnuts, Roasted Chestnut recipe

Time to Elf! (Free Printable)

December 2 By American Greetings

AG_FB_BLOG_Elfed_Printable

December is here, lights are going up, presents are getting wrapped, and the Christmas countdown has officially begun. As holiday spirits continues to rise, why not share the fun with your friends, neighbors, and co-workers?!? We’re talking about Elfing!

11317_elfing_xmas_main _shot

Not sure how to play? Here’s a simple breakdown:

You can start the game anytime before Christmas by leaving an Elfed surprise for neighbors or co-workers. Begin the game by secretly leaving a bag of treats and other small surprises, together with an Elf sign and Elf poem explaining how to play the game.

If you’re leaving your Elfed bag for a neighbor, ring their doorbell and run! When they open the door, they’ll be greeted by a little holiday surprise left by their very own Christmas elf. In turn, each recipient is asked to post the sign to alert would-be Elves that they’ve already been visited, and to pass the game along to two more neighbors. The best part is seeing the joy spread throughout the entire neighborhood.

DSC_0746 retouch

You can also Elf your way through the office by following the same instructions, just leave your surprise for a co-worker when they’re not around, and ask them to display their sign in a visible spot on their desk.

To get you started, simply select one of our FREE Elfed Printable Signs that makes the most sense for who you’re Elfing, and print out a few copies to include with your surprise.

Elfing_CoWorker_Page_1Click here to print this version

We've been ElfedClick here to print this version

You've been ElfedClick here to print this version

 

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblr

Filed Under: Christmas, Fun activities, Gift ideas, Printables Tagged With: Elfing Neighborhood game, You've Been Elfed

What to write in a Christmas card

November 30 By American Greetings

AG_FB_BLOG_WTW_Christmas_Card

These tips come to you from American Greetings Christmas Card Editor, Courtney Rabideau…

To me, Christmas is about moments. In one of my favorites from my childhood, I am seven, and my parents have just given me the Christmas present of my dreams – an oak bookcase. The picture of me holding my arms up in victory upon seeing it is still an object of much delight…and, admittedly, much teasing.

When I write Christmas cards, either as an American Greetings Christmas Card Editor, or on my own, I try to capture the emotions behind moments like that one – the joy following a gift well-given, the suspense and then surprise of a Christmas morning, the delight that comes from family and fellowship and things much more important than bookcases.
Though the messages we all hope to convey during the holiday season undoubtedly vary, here are some things I try to keep in mind when I consider what to write in a Christmas card for our consumers or the people I love:

It’s okay to be simple

I think the things people most want to hear are actually quite simple – I love you. I hope you have a great holiday. I’m grateful for you. Write a novella if you feel compelled, but don’t fret if you’re staring at a blank card and all that is coming to mind is a sentence or two. Find the core of what you want to say, and even if you don’t say much else, say that.

Remember the sender

We send cards, or at least I do, to make an emotional connection. Though holiday well-wishes certainly have their place in our programs, remember the sender. You are sending the card for them, so tailor your message to specifically relate to that person whenever possible.

No card is a bad card!

At the end of the day, the act of sitting down and writing a card for someone is a labor of love. Regardless of what you put inside, that shines through. Christmas cards are about spreading the cheer and excitement of the season, not about finding exactly the right words.

What messages do you hope to convey during the holiday season? I’d love to hear what you have to say!

-Courtney

Still need some help? Check out these warm, lovely Christmas card sayings, also from Courtney!

Christmas Card Sayings

Save

Save

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblr

Filed Under: Christmas, What to write Tagged With: What to write in a Christmas card

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • …
  • 37
  • Next Page »

Most Recent Pins

Pink Glitter TapeGold Glitter TapeParty napkins - American GreetingsParty napkins - American GreetingsGold Star Cupcake ToppersUnicorn Party Theme | Paper Straws

Archives

  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018

Copyright © 2022 AGCM, Inc. All rights reserved.