So don’t forget to remember the entire family when addressing those envelopes and remember these pointers:

If you know the individuals by name on an informal basis, go ahead and list them all. For example:
Bob and Mary Jones
Bobby, Barbara and Ben

The more formal treatment would be:
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jones
and family

For something in between you could use:
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Jones
and family (or) and children

Another source of mystery to me was wondering why my last name seemed to change from card to card. My maiden name was Cress and I remember receiving holiday cards addressed to The Cresses, The Cress’s, The Cress Family, and so on. We even got them addressed to The Crest Family but that is an entirely different story.

Rules of thumb:
If the family name ends in O or Y, add an S—The Romanos , The Sandys
If the family name ends in S, X, Z, CH or ES, add an ES—The Joneses, The Foxes, The Cortezes, The Bunches, The Marshes
If in doubt, just add the word “Family” as in—The Jones Family
The use of an apostrophe indicates possession or ownership like The Jones’s House so doesn’t really apply for holiday cards. Of course, if you are sending holiday party invitations you may want to indicate that the party is at the Jones’s House.

Party, did someone mention a party?! Count me “and Family” in!

1. Offer special discounts and promotions. Everyone is looking for ways to save this year and you may be able to capitalize on volume sales by offering a promo code or gift with purchase that will actually generate profits.

2. Send Holiday Cards. Keep your company name in front of your customers and business associates by sending personalized and custom imprinted holiday cards. Front imprint cards are great for a unique visual presentation and staying connected with current and past customers is vital. Maybe you would even like to consider including a promo code or special offer printed right on the card itself as a special added bonus.

3. Relate to your customers. Not everyone celebrates Christmas during this time of year. Be sensitive to your customers by relating to their differences. Perhaps Kwanzaa or Hanukkah Cards are more appropriate. For business it may be better to send Season’s Greetings Cards or Happy Holiday Cards instead of Merry Christmas Cards just in case your customer doesn’t celebrate Christmas.

4. Appreciate your employees. Take this opportunity to let your employees know how much they mean to your business. A holiday office party doesn’t have to be an expensive extravaganza. A potluck can be just as fun. And don’t forget to add each employee to your holiday cards list.


5. Network. Take advantage of all the holiday party invitations you will be receiving by attending as many events as possible. You never know when you might meet your next major customer!

Enjoy the holiday season while remaining thankful and positive. The holidays can be stressful for some but if approached with a positive attitude and viewed as an opportunity for personal improvement and business growth, you are certain to reap rewards for your efforts throughout the coming New Year!

If you’re in advertising and marketing at Sterling Cooper you absolutely know the importance of staying connected with your clients. These Mad Men, Paul Kinsey (Michael Gladis), Harry Crane (Rich Sommer) and Salvatore Romano (Bryan Batt) use holiday cards as a way to stay in touch and reconnect with valued customers, friends, family and business partners.

Savvy in business, these Mad Men have chosen very special holiday cards to sponsor that were designed exclusively for CardsDirect.com. Their real name is printed on the back of the card along with the charity of their choosing. Proceeds from the sales of their selected design go to the charity of their choice. Take a look at the cards and charities each of these Mad Men actors are sponsoring:

Now you can be a Mad Man or Woman too and build your business or personal relationships by sending one of these Cards for a Cause holiday photo cards to those on your greeting card list this year!

than at this time of the year. Say , I’m by remembering your customers, business associates, friends and family with cards!

This is the card design he chose:

In November 2008, before the movie released, Kellan confessed in an interview his interests in autographs. “His autograph is elaborate, with each letter fully formed,” said the article. “I like signatures,” confessed Lutz. “I remember growing up just having fun doing it for no reason. I liked practicing.”

Back then he would actually spell out his name, “unlike Robert Pattinson who takes a shortcut by just signing his initials,” claims the article. But Lutz did admit that he knew he’d be doing conventions and events eventually which would require him to sign a minimum of 600 and “wow, it took me an hour to do 50. So I might have to get creative.”

Well, I kinda like his autograph! Take a look at it here and see what you think!

Well, if you have this problem but still want to send holiday cards that feature our furry friends, here are some other dog gone great card design options for your consideration.

Or maybe you are more of a cat person. These purrfectly delightful season’s greetings will charm everyone on your holiday card list this year.

OK, so maybe that last cat was rather large but you get the picture! Send us your favorite pet snapshot. We’d love to see it!

Pets are special all year long but especially loved during the holidays. Remember to include them in your family holiday photo or feature them all by themselves! This photo holiday card design Mr. Gervais chose to support will result in a donation to the ASPCA through our Cards for a Cause program

Here are a few more examples to help you visualize how your pet might be included in your holiday photo cards once you send us your favorite pet image.

Will you include your pet on your holiday cards this year? Any tips on how to make them say, “cheese”?

Join actors AnnaLynne McCord, Phoebe Abrams and Matt Lanter from the popular television show 90210 in supporting the charities they have chosen through the Cards for a Cause campaign by purchasing the photo holiday card designs they are representing here.

These exclusive photo cards are truly one of a kind and you’ll be happy to know that you can place your order from the comfort of your own mansion!

The USPS sends military mail on commercial airlines, special charter flights and military aircraft, all at domestic mail rates. There are few things more appreciated by our armed forces and their families than thoughtful packages, letters or Christmas cards from home.

Here are some patriotic holiday cards that would certainly be appreciated by those serving our country and their supportive families.

Why not order a bunch of personalized patriotic holiday cards and send them to those who would appreciate them most. But don’t be late, ready your holiday mail now and remember those overseas working to protect our freedoms here!

This traditional Christmas stamp continues the Madonna and Child theme used since 1978. This year a painting by Italian artist Giovanni Battista Salvi (1609-1685), more commonly known as Sassoferrato is featured. The painting is currently housed at Hearst Castle in California and this stamp celebrates the 400th anniversary of the birth of the artist.

A musical angel with a lute is taken from a fragment of a circa 1480 fresco. The original fragment is 37” x 46” and housed in the Vatican art museum. The artist, Melozzo da Forli (1438-1494) is considered to be one of the great fresco artists of his day. His depictions of musical angels have enjoyed a newfound popularity today.

This year Hanukkah begins on December 11 with 8 days and nights of celebration. This 2009 Hanukkah design features a photograph of a menorah designed by Lisa Regan of the Garden Deva Sculpture Company in Tulsa, OK, and was photographed by Ira Wexler of Braddock Heights, MD. Hanukkah is the Hebrew word for “dedication.” Blue and silver are the customary colors used in celebrating this holiday.

Kwanzaa is a non-religious holiday rooted in African traditions. Celebrated from December 26 to January 1, this colorful stamp by Lloyd McNeill of New York richly depicts the essence of family and a bountiful harvest. The first Kwanzaa commemorative stamp was issued in 1997. This is the third stamp design to celebrate this particular holiday.

These stamps were announced on December 29, 2008, when the U.S. Postal Services previews their stamps for the coming year. At that time a first class stamp was 42¢. You can be assured that they will reflect the increased rate of 44¢ when they are released for this holiday season.