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!
