These days, it’s not just your grandparent’s generation wondering who to send Christmas cards to. In fact, interest among millennials is what’s keeping this time-honored tradition alive. If Christmas isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other reasons to celebrate during December and January. Send a holiday card for Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Chinese New Year, Las Posadas or any other occasion you fancy. It’s up to you. Just don’t miss these fantastic opportunities to reconnect with the ones you love.
Don’t have many addresses in your phone book? No worries. You can still surprise your friends with a postage-stamped card delivered right to their mailbox. Keep reading for the perfect solution to updating your contacts with current information from Spokeo.
Who Gets a Holiday Card?
Let’s face it. We’re all busy people with competing priorities. That’s why it’s more important than ever to do the small things that keep us connected. It’s how we’re wired as social beings. So, who makes the cut for your holiday card list? Certainly, you’ll want to reconnect with friends, family members, neighbors and business associates. But don’t miss the opportunity to give special consideration to the following folks as well:
Long-Distance Friendships
In our increasingly transient world, people come and go with great frequency. That’s no reason to lose touch. Maybe you can’t hop on a plane right now, but you can send them a great holiday card to let them know that even though you’re separated by many miles, they are still in your thoughts.
Broken Relationships
Not every friendship is worth keeping, and sometimes breakups happen for a good reason. However, there are times when you realize that your life isn’t quite the same without the relationship. A holiday card is a low-risk way to break the ice and take a temperature check. Avoid rehashing the past. A simple greeting like “I miss you” will let the other person know you’re thinking about them. If the waters are still chilly, the lack of response will let you know. You’ll likely find that they’ve been thinking about you, too, and now is the perfect time to reconnect.
Potential Romantic Interest
Come on too strong, and your love interest can retreat in a hurry. But if you’re crushing and they have no idea, you’ll never advance your cause. A holiday card is a perfect way to signal that you are around and available. Keep it simple with a personal note that says you might be open to meeting for a holiday beverage.
Business Networking
Some of the savviest business people understand that networking is not just about what someone else can do for you. It’s also about what you can do for others. Holiday time is the perfect time to put this principle into action. When you send cards to your professional network, remind them that you’re there for them. If you have your own business or even a side gig, include your business card. But don’t ask for a thing — the spirit of the holidays is in the giving. Networking isn’t so difficult, after all.
Send the Right Cards
Select your holiday cards with care. If you’re going to spend the time and energy, make sure your cards reflect who you are and what you value. Most people buy cards, but you can make your own. You don’t even have to be very artistically inclined since you can use photographs or computer art. If you do decide to buy them, some ideas include holiday cards featuring:
- A recent or even a really old family photo
- Your funny pet pictures
- Religious themes ranging from Christian to Buddhist
- Themes that promote diversity, inclusion and peace
- Artwork created by children served by a favorite charity
- Recycled or repurposed materials
- Hand-crafted works of art from local artisans
Include a handwritten note. Make sure you let everyone know about the significant changes and new additions to your family. Make your cards extra special by selecting postage stamps that continue your theme or promote something you value.
Got Addresses?
You may have tons of email addresses but, what about street addresses? A few decades ago, if you didn’t have a mailing address, you would flip through this huge directory called the phone book in hopes of finding one. Of course, this phone book was only for your city. Good luck locating the people in the next town over. Fortunately, there’s a better way.
Spokeo is your online solution to finding addresses. Using the name, city, email address, phone number or social media handle, you can get the mailing address you need using our powerful People Search tool. Also, if you want more information, Spokeo has that too. For example, does your love interest have an online dating profile? It’s good to know in advance.
Now you have all the information you need to get your holiday mailing list in order and bring a smile to a loved one’s face. ‘Tis the season. It’s easier than ever to start spreading some holiday cheer.