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Holiday Greetings, Cards and "In Touch" Messages.
Stress-Free Communication?
By: Natalie R. Manor, CEO
You know, there are some of us (not me, not ever) that have already put their holiday greeting list together of who will receive a cards, newsletters and/or messages. Those people have cleaned up their list of recipients from last year and have all the correct addresses whether electronic or USPS. They know how many greetings they will send; who will receive these greetings; what format will be used and what will be said. In fact, these people are so organized that they probably have the stamps purchased for the envelopes and the exact greeting ready to go.
Then there are the rest of us.
I would like to make sure that you understand that getting in touch during the holidays is a nice thing to do. It is NOT required. There is no rule. There is only habit and tradition that dictates the practice of contacting everyone you know or care about during the holiday season. We can be intimidated into sending holiday greetings whether they be cards or messages, or we can be independent and figure out what works best for us.
Let’s brainstorm and see what will help us not be stressed either emotionally or in the wallet by sending holiday greetings to those we care about.
Here is my idea of the ideal holiday greeting!
Did you save the cards and messages from last year with the intention of making sure these people were on your list? Well good cause you are going to cut up those cards and use them for decorations for your messages this year. If you don't have a little kid that loves glue and scissors, then borrow one. A little juice and some cookies are a great motivator usually. Sometimes they play hard to get and need a sit down story with the cookies (sliced carrots for those watching their weight) and juice.
Cover your table with lots of newspaper. Provide glue sticks, not bottles of glue unless you want the newspaper permanently attached to your table. Provide 3-4 pairs of scissors because in my experience scissors have legs and can actually walk away. I have seen this many times. I don't know where they go, but they disappear nonetheless.
Cut up some cardboard pieces about 8 X 11. This is what the cut up pieces of last year’s greeting cards and messages will be glued to. Once they are completed, you will have place mats, large cards for friends (hand carried), decorations for the walls and many things to hang on your refrigerator.
Now take a picture of this activity
with your digital camera, send it to everyone on your list and tell
them that this is their card/message for the season. I guarantee
that this will be so new and clever that everyone will remember
you. No stamps to buy, only some good cleaner to get the glue
stick off the table, chair, family pet and juice glass.
Hand deliver these newly glued large cards to your favorite people as you make your rounds during the holidays: dry cleaners, favorite drive through for food, postal worker, next door neighbor, co-workers and people from church. Again, they will be so delighted with the idea of receiving a handmade card (customer designed) just for them that they will remember you forever.
Stay tuned for more holiday ideas to keep your from stress and overspending this holiday season.
© 1986-2008 Natalie Manor & Associates.
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