#3:
Use up what you’ve got. If you still
want to send a paper copy, consider using up all the previous years’ cards
first. Many of us have half-used boxes sitting
in dusty storage, so put them to good use!
While you may cringe a bit over the thought
of someone accidentally receiving the same
style as last year or that the design may not
be your cup of tea anymore, just remember to
speak from the heart when you write out your
message. It’s doubtful that Aunt Rita will even
remember that it’s the same snowman from
2012.
#6:
#4:
Have a little get-together. Wait, what
does a party have to do with holiday
cards? Plenty. You can take the opportunity
to have close friends over for a casual shindig
well before the stressful part of the season hits
as a way to relax and enjoy each other’s company. Let them know that this is their seasonal card replacement, and that no gifts are
needed; just some friendly talk and sharing in
some simple refreshments. (Online invitations
will tell them the whens/wheres/hows of the
day.) You can also host a craft party with your
kids or your friends, offering up some recycled
cardstock and art supplies (glitter!) to create
some of your own custom holiday creations to
send.
#5:
Think of a gift and card rolled into
one. A lot of times, we send a greeting to friends and family we won’t be seeing
for the holiday season. Think about rolling
the greeting and a small gift into one! You
can send a personalized picture postcard of
your family to be framed or a hand-made card
along with a small box of cookies or empty
toilet paper roll filled with their favorite hard
candy, wrapped and tied. If the meaning behind cards is to let someone know they’re appreciated and thought of fondly, stepping it up
a notch and offering a kind gesture will mean
even more than a store-bought card.
Pick some eco-friendly options.
There are tons of companies, from
mainstream to alternative, that offer environmentally sound holiday card choices. Check
out Paper Culture, which plants a tree with
every order and uses 100% post-consumer
recycled paper, simple-but-fun designs from
Girly Whirly, and if you prefer tongue-incheek, try Anne Taintor. Another favorite is
to search for eco-friendly cards on Etsy, like
these from Happy Dappy Bits, to not only
select from some gorgeous, creative, environmentally-responsible choices, but to help out a
true artist in the process.
Buy local! Peruse and call local gift
shops to see if there are any locallyproduced cards. You may be surprised to
find an artist that uses found objects or other
creative mediums to produce their awesome
creations. Not only will you be sending very
unique cards, but you’ll be helping your local
economy and lessening the environmental effects of shipping.
64
#7:
Buy local! Peruse and call local gift
shops to see if there are any locallyproduced cards. You may be surprised
to find an artist that uses found objects
or other creative mediums!