Christmad Card Messages

If you've had to sit down before to write personalized Christmas cards for your friends and family, then you understand the great pains in trying to write messages that are truly representative of all the positive (hopefully) feelings you have towards that individual. Of course, it's not an easy task - everybody is different and you have to make sure you understand them first. In order to point you towards the right direction, here are some ideas that will get you through Christmas this year!

#1. Important: Personalize!

Don't be so general by writing simple greetings and signing your name. And please, don't just buy a card from Hallmark and send it off on its way. I'm not saying that you have to make your card, but the messages contained within should reflect some kind of a personal thought directed towards specific people. Imagine how you would feel receiving a heartfelt message versus an empty card filled with nothing but a single line. If I received the second type, I could probably grow to loathe the only thing written in that card - the name.

If Bobby's going through a hard time, let him know that you're there for him. If Jane's family welcomed a few additions this year, then be sure to include that in your greeting. Get to know your friends and family - personalize their Christmas card messages!

#2. Being religiously sensitive.

I'm sure we all have someone like this in our families or group of friends. If you've ever told them "Merry Christmas!", then you know they'll bite your head off for being so insensitive. Or maybe it's the other way around, and "Happy Holidays!" will result in a long sermon about the importance of Jesus' birth. Whichever your case may be, there is always a path around this religious hurdle!

Despite the fact that it's a season heavily riddled with religious overtones, Christmas has become somewhat of a cultural occurrence that everybody's come to embrace - use this to your advantage! Focus on the general ideas of Christmas such as joy, happiness and the thought of giving to others. They'll appreciate the opportunity to indulge in the good spirit of Christmas, the 'holidays' or whatever they have determined these few days to be. Don't push your religious or a-religious agendas, as there are plenty of message floating around this time of the year.

#3. Religious messages

This idea addresses another approach available to those that celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah instead of the "holidays" (please forgive me for my lack of knowledge in Christmas-like celebrations as I am only able to list 2). If you're aware of someone's religious affiliation and know that perhaps they are deeply faithful, then be sure to recognize their dedication. They will truly appreciate your sensitivity (much like in the same manner as #2), and they will be grateful for your thoughtfulness.

For specific religious greetings, there are several articles available on Associated Content. For a few Christian Bible verses to include in your card, please feel free to check out my "10 Bible Verses For Christmas Cards" article.

#4. Humor

It's a time of joy, so why not make someone smile?! If you know remember an inside joke between you and the person you're writing to, then don't be afraid to spend some time finding a unique card that reflects your good memory. Keep in mind, however, that their memories might not be as fresh as yours - remind them! Nothing makes someone's day than to know that they were remembered by another person!

This is probably the only case where a card filled with a single line stating "poop!" may be acceptable.

#5. Don't be scared.

Don't be scared to be too sentimental and never be afraid that your cards may be too long. We hear enough "Merry Christmas"s and "Happy Holidays"s as we walk down the streets or watch television ads. What we don't hear enough of are deep and personal reflections during this joyous occasion. Be quick to realize that we are all bombarded with cliche messages about wishing us a good time. In your Christmas card this year, be sure to go beyond that. It's like I mentioned in #1 - they will appreciate the time you spent in thinking of them.

That's all folks! Just remember that in the end, the greatest message you could send to someone is one that came from your heart. Merry Christmas!