Hey, Mister Postman

It is time to start thinking about holiday cards. I normally like to to mail mine the weekend after Thanksgiving to announce the holiday season and so my friends and family have lots of time to enjoy the card. First, start the process by making a list of all the names and addresses to whom you wish to send a card. It's a good idea to verify the address from the previous year before you start addressing the envelopes.

Once you have the number of cards you need to send, it's time to select your card for this year. I always like my holiday cards to reflect something about me, where I live, to portray a favorite holiday scene or activity or to coordinate with my holiday decorations. Holiday cards are now sold everywhere so go out shopping and select them in person or browse online and buy them there.

As I begin the process sending out the cards, I always sign all of the cards first with either a black or metallic pen, noting the year near the signature. Some people save holiday cards from year-to-year so they may find it nice later to know when they received this treasured card from you. Once all signed, stuff the envelopes. Next, transfer by hand, the names and addresses from your list to the front of each envelope. Make sure to either use return address stickers in the upper left hand corner of the front of the envelope or hand print it as well, along with the recipient's name and address.

A holiday stamp, available in different scenic designs, from the post office completes the presentation. Get started this week over Thanksgiving and have one less holiday chore looming!