Before you send holiday cards

Make your mailings more memorable with these tips from Alinda Lewris, CEO and president of the International Association of Protocol Consultants in McLean, Virginia.

1 Free up your creativity. Buy cards ahead of time and address all the envelopes a few days or, better yet, weeks before you get started. That way you'll have time to actually write something other than your name.

2 Remember, it's all about the recipient, not you. "Refrain from boasting about yourself," advises Lewris. Instead, mention something personal about your friend, such as a memory of the last time you saw her ("I had such a great time sitting on your deck and sipping sangria this summer") or an acknowledgement of her recent developments ("I know you must be enjoying each day you spend with baby Lisa").

3 Say it with photos. "Rather than telling friends that you had the privilege of traveling the world this year, include a picture from your trip with a sweet message on the back," Lewris says.

COPYRIGHT 2006 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2006 Gale Group