Sending greeting cards is a practice that predates the digital age by centuries. Long before emails and emojis, people relied on the tangible beauty of handwritten sentiments encapsulated within carefully chosen cards to convey their feelings. Join me on a nostalgic journey as we explore the rich history and enduring charm of sending greeting cards, a time-honored tradition that continues to bridge generations and foster meaningful relationships.
There’s an undeniably enchanting and time-honored practice that continues to kindle joy and warmth – the art of sending greeting cards through the mail. Beyond the convenience of instant messages, the tangible act of selecting, personalizing, and mailing a card transcends the ordinary, creating an extraordinary connection that lasts.
How to Get Organized Sending Greeting Cards
Step One: Purchase a Greeting Card Organizer. Here’s the one I have; dividers are by topic so you can keep it stocked to always have cards on hand.
Step Two: Visit our 38 Hertz Store and purchase a selection of cards to have on hand; you can search by sorting under the link to product, then enter cards to see all cards in our store; or you can look at each collection and then find cards in each design of those collections. Be creative with your selections – you don’t have to buy a literal birthday card for birthdays, but maybe a card that represents interests of your recipients, then simply write your own birthday greeting.
Step Three: Make a list of birthdays you want to acknowledge throughout the year:
Birthdays: Go through your address book and/or your social media pages and find the people you want to send birthday greeting cards to for the year – put them in a birthday reminder book.
Step Four: Download the 38 Hertz Celebration Book for holidays, celebrations, and national days. The book calendars 365 days of celebrations from obvious holidays like Christmas and Easter to Ramadan and Holi to National Teacher Appreciation Day to Firefighters Day. Think about these events also: Fill up your card holder so you always have cards on hand!
Holidays
National Days
Sympathy
Get Well
New Baby
Wedding
Thank You
Gratitude
Bon Voyage
Retirement
Friendship
Step Five: Write meaningful messages: Cat got your tongue? Find ideas for what to say in your card here.
Step Six: Purchase postage stamps to have on hand. Running out of stamps will sabotage your otherwise-organized effort.
10 Ways to Incorporate Sending Greeting Cards in Your Life
- Celebrate Milestones: Send greeting cards to commemorate birthdays, anniversaries, and other significant milestones. Personalized cards add an extra touch of thoughtfulness.
- Express Gratitude: Show appreciation by sending thank-you cards for gestures, gifts, or acts of kindness. Handwritten notes convey sincerity and make the recipient feel valued.
- Stay Connected: Use cards to stay in touch with friends and family, especially those you may not see regularly. A simple “thinking of you” card can bridge the gap between visits.
- Encourage Others: Send motivational or encouragement cards to friends facing challenges or embarking on new endeavors. Your words can provide a meaningful boost.
- Spread Seasonal Cheer: Embrace the holiday spirit by sending festive greeting cards during special occasions like Christmas, Hanukkah, or New Year’s. It’s a delightful way to share joy.
- Send “Just Because” Cards: Surprise loved ones with cards for no particular reason. Random acts of kindness through unexpected mail can brighten anyone’s day.
- Celebrate Achievements: Congratulate friends or family on accomplishments, whether it’s a graduation, a new job, or a personal success. Acknowledge their achievements with a congratulatory card.
- Share Personal Updates: Include a brief update about your life in cards to keep friends and family informed about your experiences. It adds a personal touch to your communication.
- Create Tradition: Establish a tradition of sending annual or quarterly cards to friends or family members. Consistent communication fosters stronger connections over time.
- Connect with Colleagues: Strengthen workplace relationships by sending cards to colleagues on birthdays, work anniversaries, or to express appreciation for teamwork. It adds a personal touch to professional relationships.
What Others Say About Sending Greeting Cards
Steven Gallagher, PhD, writes for Psychology Today: Is Sending a Christmas Card Good for Your Health? The article discusses the correlation between sending Christmas cards and depression. This fascinates me, as I have first-hand knowledge of this. I used to carefully make handmade cards for Christmas and send about 200 of them out. I suffered from clinical depression for many years; I never sent them out during this time. Once again, I am jazzed about sending out Christmas cards (not depressed!), and it’s a great way to stay in touch with people and keep their whereabouts up to date. Each year I get more and more in return, which is double fun.
In Sending Your Very Best, a Psychology Today article talks about the lack of greeting cards relative to current topics and interests of the day. While cards for birthdays and major holidays are products in corporate greeting card environments, issues of the day are rarely addressed. Visit our 38 Hertz Store for over 230 designs featuring cards for every imaginable occasion. Simply visit the 38 Hertz Store and type your search word into “search collections.” Next, click on collections displayed and find greeting cards. You’ll find unique themes such as Gay Pride, Transgender Love, Hindu Holiday, Ramadan, Teacher Appreciation, The High Life, Jewish Holidays, Stop Bullying, Brazil Carnival, and so many more. Order for the whole year and be prepared!
Psychreg says in the article, The Psychology of Sending Greeting Cards, “Fortunately, many people are still under the impression that loved ones deserve more effort when it comes to goodwill messages, which is why technology will never fully eradicate greeting cards. There are too many psychological benefits to sending and receiving cards, as well as a history too rich to forget about. When was the last time you sent a greeting card? Why not send one today?
Featured Video: Tips for Writing Meaningful Messages
On the Other Hand
In It’s Time to Stop Sending Greeting Cards, Lauri Levy explores her addiction to sending greeting cards and her ideas about how to limit them. While sending greeting cards has been a cherished tradition for generations, there is a growing movement advocating for a departure from this practice. The environmental impact of mass-produced cards, often laden with non-recyclable materials and harmful inks, has prompted many to reconsider the sustainability of such gestures. Additionally, in an era of instant communication through digital means, some argue that the environmental cost and resources involved in producing and distributing physical cards may outweigh the sentimental value they bring.
So, there’s the other side. You make the choice!
Related Articles, Hacks, Links, and Stuff
- Is Sending a Christmas Card Good for Your Health?
- Sending Your Very Best
- The Psychology of Sending Greeting Cards
- Visit the 38 Hertz Store for more than 230 Bright and Bold Greeting Cards
- Join the 38 Hertz Community, we’re in the happiness business!
- Get the 38 Hertz Celebration Book – 365 Days of Celebrations!
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