friends and colleagues; people I love dearly who live all over the world. It is also important to me that those on this tier receive a fun, pretty and/or funny/clever card, not only because I know it will bring them joy, but also because I want to be represented in their card displays as one of the hippest card senders. The third tier is for non-immediate family members and more casual professional colleagues who receive the left-over cards from last year. With leftover cards, it’s important to meticulously check the aforementioned handwritten lists to make sure no one receives the same card twice. The remaining fourth tier is for everyone who is left; acquaintances and colleagues that I haven’t seen in ages, but for whom I still have a fondness. If I have already taken care of the upper tiers and time permits, I like to send a hello to these folks using up what’s left of the cards.
Regardless of the priority tier, every single card includes a personal, handwritten note. I am not one of those holiday card mailers who just signs their name and calls it a day. Every card recipient gets a custom message because part of the purpose of this practice is for me to spend some actual time on each of these individuals. I think about the person, our relationship, why they’re on the list, what they mean to me, what I would like to share with them in that moment, and then I write it down. Even if I never see many of these people, at least I’ve spent one moment a year investing some thought and
energy in them. I hope it makes them feel cared for and that they will take a moment to think of me as well.
I send 90-100 cards every season and will receive about 20-25 cards myself. The rate of return depends on a variety of factors, including how early I start and if I’ve moved that year (it’s good to begin mailing early on a moving year to ensure the collective has your current address). I keep an additional
list of who I received cards from, and these people receive top tier priority the following
year as it assures maximum card return. While I do love getting cards in the mail, that is not the motivation behind this practice. I believe in Collective, in community, and in positive relationships both personal and professional. Taking a moment to connect with each of the many people who matter in my life brings me joy, comfort and gratitude. This Holiday Card Project is the perfect way for me to end the year and begin to visualize the collaborative possibilities for the next.