Holiday Cards in Business

Is there a right and wrong way to send holiday greetings in the business world? Well, there are some helpful rules of etiquette, but there is also plenty of room for some fun customization and creativity.

For the month of December, Spoonful of Comfort is delighted to offer you some helpful tips to choose or create holiday cards and letters that pack a festive punch and will also be appreciated by your recipients. We’ll answer our most frequently asked questions about holiday greetings. We’ll also offer ideas for what you might consider writing to your clients and colleagues this year.

Make a list of people and businesses who support and interact with your organization in any capacity. The following is a short list of those you might consider sending holiday greetings to:

• Colleagues
• Contractors/Freelancers
• Consultants
• Clients
• Support staff

Pro tip: Keep a running list through the year that includes 1) your brainstorm list above, 2) people and companies who send you holiday cards or other seasonal greetings, and 3) new colleagues and business relationships you build through the year. Keep this list on hand for easy additions—and to update addresses as you learn about moves. Next year, you’ll be ahead of the game!

Why Should I Send Holiday Cards?

It’s good to zero in on the “why” of anything you’re doing in your business, and holiday cards are no exception. So, while you’re asking yourself why you’re considering participating in this fun holiday tradition, we’ll go ahead and give you a few reasons to invest some time and thoughtfulness into your seasonal well-wishes this year.

• It’s a great time for recognition. Q4 can be a crazy, stressful time in the workplace as everyone scrambles to finish up projects and wrap things up for the year. It’s also the perfect time for reflecting on the accomplishments of your team. Can your holiday messaging include some meaningful acknowledgement and recognition for your people?
• Cards help generate loyalty. A thoughtfully prepared holiday card can be memorable. It can be something your people look forward to receiving every year. Can you incorporate gratitude, humor, motivation, anticipation, or a sense of family/community into your holiday greeting card?
• It’s an opportunity for connection. Rather than providing a cookie-cutter statement, do what you can to personalize your messaging. Sign the cards yourself. The holidays are a perfect time to offer your people words that make them glad they’re a part of your organization. Give back. If you’re able, provide a gift with your holiday greeting. What can you say that will be meaningful to your recipients?

What Should I include in My Holiday Cards?

If you’re hoping to be memorable, think about these strategies to make your card stand out.

Consider the senses. How might your holiday greeting satisfy any or all the following:

• Sight – How can you create visual appeal? What colors, designs, and fonts are a good representation of your business? (Beware of overbranding here. Your greeting should focus on your recipient, not yourself.)
• Touch – What textures are pleasing? Will your card have raised embossing? Will the paper feel soft and worn or sharp and crisp? What texture is a good representation of your company and brand?
• Sound – Some cards open to a delightful song. Can you pre-record your voice or a sound that is relevant to your business? Play with this idea for something extra special.
• Scent – Is there a way you can incorporate a scent into your holiday greeting? Smells are memorable. Perhaps include a candle or some scented lotion.
• Taste – Food is a welcome holiday greeting accessory. What can you give that is enjoyed by most people? Popcorn, fresh bread, chocolates, etc. Try to find something that is not a common allergy concern.

Incorporate storytelling. As a part of your holiday greeting this year, consider sending a letter to your people that tells the story of your company, past, present, and future. Offer a birds-eye view of the business. Remind people how it started. Talk about the challenges the business has faced and overcome. Share where you would like to steer the company in the future. When you share your dream, it has the chance to become a collective dream.

People love stories. Providing an annual update (sharing as much or as little as you prefer) can be something your people look forward to, an appreciated tradition of inclusion in your vision. This annual storytelling can be in email form, or it can be a hard copy mailed in lieu of a traditional holiday card.

Pay attention to details. A few more things to keep in mind as you decide what to create this year:

• Size – Make sure your card is easy to display, not too big, not too small. The best sizes are 4x6, 5x7, and 6x8.
• Orientation – The front of your card should be facing the recipient when they open the envelope. The front of the card should face the envelope’s seal. It is also recommended that the open end of the card be at the top of the envelope and the folded end be placed at the bottom.
• Text – Keep your language professional. Avoid using language that is too flowery and emotional.
• Holiday blues - Be sensitive in your messaging. It can be a tough time of year for a lot of people for various reasons. Stick to well wishes, appreciation, and a genuine effort to create a sense of community in your organization. 

When Should I Send My Holiday Cards?

Planning is critical. Ideally, having a list of recipients by November allows time to create or purchase enough holiday cards for the season. You’ll need time to sign, stuff, address, and stamp cards. To maintain a professional impression, ensure any domestic holiday greeting you intend to send by mail is out during the first or second week in December—no later than December 15^th. Visit the United States Postal Service website for more details.

Thoughtful Messaging Ideas

If coming up with the right words isn’t your strength, don’t worry, we’ve come up with a few options to get you thinking. Keep in mind, it’s best to offer up a generic “Happy Holidays” instead of sentiments that are specific to belief systems, such as “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Hanukkah.” It’s best to not presume everyone belongs to the same tradition.

Clients, Contractors, Freelancers, Consultants, Support Staff

• It’s been wonderful working with you this year. We’d be thrilled to continue doing business together in the new year. In the meantime, have a wonderful holiday.
• Wishing you Happy Holidays. Thank you for your support. All the best for the coming year!
• We couldn’t be happier about the business we did together this year. Now, time to relax and enjoy the season! May your holiday be filled with peace and prosperity.
• During this holiday season we express our deepest appreciation to those who have made our success possible. Thank you. We wish you a wonderful holiday season.
• We are most grateful as we reflect on your loyalty this year. We look forward to continued collaboration in the coming year together.

Colleagues

• Your commitment, creativity, and innovation have helped us achieve great things this year. Thank you for all you’ve done. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a happy New Year.
• Thank you for the inspiration you’ve been to our business this year. Looking forward to more of your excellent contributions. You are appreciated. Have a wonderful holiday season.
• Our staff deserves the sincerest of holiday wishes this season. Have a well-deserved break. Looking forward to working with you throughout the coming year.
• Thanks for your hard work this year! We couldn’t have had such a successful year without you. Have a fantastic holiday.
• Your commitment and dedication show through in all you do. You are a valued member of our organization.

No matter what seasonal greeting you send out to your people this year, you’ll never go wrong with thoughtfulness and sincerity. Here at Spoonful of Comfort, we’re wishing you and your business family a season full of the best of life’s comforts. We look forward to another year of serving you. In the meantime, please, enjoy your holiday.