Sending Christmas cards is a thoughtful gesture that is as enjoyable for the recipient as it is for the sender. Rather than just taking a plain pack off the shelf at the store, however, why not make them personal? Adding your own personalizing touch to your Christmas cards makes them all the more special and lets the people you care about know how much you are thinking of them. Here’s how to make your holiday greetings personal.
1. Select a design that’s you
The key to making your Christmas cards personal is to select a design that complements your personality, style, or background. You can pick:
- A traditional holiday looks with snowflakes, Christmas trees, or Santa.
- A minimalist and simple look with basic fonts and subdued holiday colours.
- A funny and playful look with cartoons or sketches.
- A religious or sentimental theme that reminds one of Christmas spirit.
You can create your own with online tools such as Canva or purchase personalized cards at stationery stores.
2. Include a Personal Photo
Including a picture of yourself is a wonderful idea to make your Christmas cards personalized. A family picture, picture of your favourite holiday memory, or even your dog in Santa hat will make your card more cheerful. In business Christmas cards, a group picture will provide a professional but friendly tone.
3. Write Your Messages Yourself
In a digital world, receiving a handwritten message feels extra thoughtful. Instead of printing a generic message, take the time to write a personal note for each recipient. If you’re sending many cards and don’t have time to write a full letter, a short handwritten sentence or even just signing your name adds warmth.
4. Customise Your Message for Each Recipient
Rather than the usual “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,” make the salutation to the recipient. Suggestions are:
To close friends and relatives: Say how much they are valued sincerely.
To business associates and co-workers: Thank them for their patronage during the year.
To neighbours: Bless them and perhaps extend an invitation to come over to a holiday party.
For distant loved ones and friends: Give a brief life update and let them know you are thinking of them.
5. Add Calligraphy or Fonts
If your handwriting is legible, give a calligraphy-style note at the top of your card. If not, type your note in cute fonts and then sign it by hand afterwards. This makes your cards professional and looks hand-made.
6. Add Seasonal Stickers, Stamps, and Embellishments
Add a dash of imagination and your Christmas cards will be remembered. Add to your cards:
Stickers – Holiday stickers such as stars, reindeers, or holly add a touch of humour to your card.
Stamps – Holiday ink stamps add an artistic touch.
Ribbons and Bows – A ribbon tied around the card adds a touch of class.
Glitter or Foil Embellishments – Add a touch of glitz to your card with a little glitter or metallic foil but don’t go overboard.
7. A Little Personalised Gift
To be doing something that is just a little bit special, add a little memento to your Christmas card. Here are some ideas:
- A photograph of their family to be kept in their wallet.
- A hand-made decoration with their name.
- A coffee or dinner gift card to share next holiday season.
- A holiday-themed bookmark.
8. Decorative Wax Seal or Envelope Stamp
It’s all about presentation! Throw out that boring old envelope and get creative with something more festive:
- A red, green, or gold-coloured envelope.
- A Christmas-wax seal and stamp.
- Doodle doodle doodles or stickers on the envelope.
- A scented envelope with a light spritz of cinnamon or pine scent.
9. Deliver in an Unconventional Way
Rather than just popping your card in the post, consider delivering it in a memorable way:
- Hand-deliver it with a homemade Christmas treats.
- Attach it to a wrapped gift under the tree.
- Send it digitally if you’re running late but still want a personal touch.
- Leave it as a surprise in a friend’s letterbox or on their doorstep.
It does not take much time to make your holiday cards personal, but it does make a huge difference. It can be a wax seal, a photo, or even a handwritten autograph. These little things make your loved ones realize that you went the extra mile and spent some time to make your holiday card special. This holiday season, take two minutes or so to make your cards as unique as the individuals you’re mailing them to!