Holiday Cards

December 19, 2006Customer Satisfaction, Customer Service, Etiquette, Little Things, Big Differences 1 Comment

Yes. I know.

I realize it is six days before Christmas and we already are four days into Hanukkah (I think). No one said customer service bloggers have to be on top of things 100% – better late than never, right? Actually, you can use this guide quite effectively for next year or for future holidays.

First of all, unless you are almost positive about what religion someone celebrates (as in: they have told you what their plans for Christmas are, etc. – not by last name, appearance, etc.), stick to something more generic like Happy Holidays or Season’s Greetings. Happy Holidays, to me at least, is somewhat more personable. Season’s Greeting is very professional.

Secondly, if you are using a regular card template, be sure to actually handwrite something on the card besides your name. Some suggestions include:

  • Happy Holidays to you and your family.
  • I wish you and your family a very happy and safe holiday season.
  • It was a pleasure making your acquaintance (and/or working with you) in 2006.
  • Have a very happy holiday.
  • Thank you for your help and advice. Have a very happy and safe holiday season.
  • Thank you for your business in 2006. We look forward to serving you in 2007.
  • etc.

These are just some suggestions that I have heard and seen over the last few weeks. There are tons of others – be somewhat creative and try to personalize it somewhat. What you say varies on the relationship type (client, boss, friend, family member, etc.) and your personality. Some people are more bubbly than others and what you write should reflect your personality (to make the card seem personal and not ultra-generic).

Send the holiday cards out by mail if you have the person’s address. If you don’t, send it out via email. There are lots of sites you can use to send e-cards and they work just fine – just make sure it is a trustworthy site that won’t spam you. I used to have a link to a good site for it, but unfortunately, I can’t seem to find it. If you have any suggestions for good sites, please do post them in the comments.

On another note, this post at Linehacker talks about how to politely decline a holiday card. Some ideas:

  • Simply accept the card (this is the customer service thing to do)
  • Suggest sending the card to a troop overseas
  • Send e-cards instead

Personally, I believe if someone offers to send you a card, accept it. They want to make the effort to send it to you and show they care enough to ask you, so accept it.

This is a good post from Slacker Manager about how to write a holiday card to your staff. It can be applied to other relationships as well and is definitely helpful.

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One Response to “Holiday Cards”

  1. Good Tidings from Sheryl said:

    Aug 07, 07 at 8:20 pm

    Accept all the cards you receive with grace and goodwill. You are fortunate that someone is thinking good thoughts about you!

    If you would like to send a more personal card, I suggest creating a design of your own, write your sentiments and send this to a pring shop before the holidays. You can make a photo postcards, which is cheaper to mail and does not require envelopes, with an added bonus of a photo! Take picutres of home, family, pets, co-workers or a pretty landscape. Tiding and greeting build positive relationships – send them year round.