Perhaps the hardest part of sending holiday greetings is preparing the mailing list each year. Working from an address book, you have to remove or overlook the names of those that are deceased or no longer part of your circle of contacts, for one reason or another.
Addressing the envelopes is a related chore that many folks don't look forward to. The inside handwritten notes or signatures can be fun, but the preparatory work can be drudgery.
Here are a few ideas to help make this task go more smoothly.
1. Keep a computer list of names and addresses. The first year you do this, the task may prove time-consuming, as you sort, type, and organize the names of people you know who should receive holiday greeting cards. But with so many varied sort functions included with most of today's software programs, this should not be an unmanageable task. Getting the names entered will start your list, which should be easier to update in the years ahead. All you need do is print it out and follow along the list of names when it comes time to write out your yuletide messages.
2. Organize your list of names. If some co-workers do not celebrate Christmas, put their names in a separate part of your list. You can either send generic holiday or winter greeting cards, or no card at all, depending on which option you feel is best. After each name you may wish to indicate why no card will be sent, especially if this is a casual acquaintance, in case you forget in the future.
3. Use your list to print address labels. Instead of laboriously writing out each personal card envelope address by hand, click on a few computer keys and print out labels that can easily be affixed to each card' envelopes. You'll save time and effort this way. The down side is that your greetings will lose the personal handwritten touch. But this can be reclaimed by a message inside the card, although some folks opt to create their cards by computer, including the personal message inside. It's up to you!
4. Arrange your list by separating co-workers from family and friends. Do this only if you plan to take your cards to work and hand out individually or place in employees' mailboxes. Otherwise, you can leave the names intermixed alphabetically with those of other friends and family members.
5. Update your address book periodically. Don't wait for the holiday card season to make all the needed changes in your address book. If there are several since last year, and chances are that several families' information has changed, such as moving, having a baby, etc., then you could spend valuable hours just getting the address book in shape, only to transfer it to your Christmas card list. Make changes during the year so you can spend less time updating it during the holidays.
Sending out Christmas cards to people you care about is a warm way to share holiday joy. Take steps like these to save time and make this task a meaningful pleasure for everyone on your list.
