Christmas Card Giving is Expensive!

Resource Wednesday

No more expensive postage this Christmas!  I sent eCards from American Greetings.

I am one of those people who values the personal connection that comes when giving and receiving cards.  I value the sweet sentiments the words convey—when they are usually left unspoken in the “busy-ness” of life.  To me, this is an important, often-neglected part of strengthening our family trees with secure bonds that words from the cards can convey—often better than we can say them ourselves.

Each year, I send out about 125 cards.  The last few years I’ve had an internal debate with myself going on.  Do I continue to send Christmas Cards, do I pare down my list, do I quit sending cards all together?  I’ve learned that I value the relationships of the people I rarely see (due to moving out of the same city and/or state).  In spite of the expense of postage, I still managed to stay in touch with most of them—those who included some details about their lives and experiences.  The connection was worth the expense.

Thank goodness technology has helped me solve my dilemma!  This year, I purchased a subscription from American Greetings after my FREE TRIAL.  My cards got delivered via the Internet with the click of a button.  Since it is my first year, importing the addresses and selecting my Christmas Card “group” was a bit time consuming, but well worth the savings on purchasing cards and postage.  I’m all set up for years to come, and I will mail some cards to loved ones who do not use the Internet.  I win all the way around!  I’m so happy about this and just wanted you to know.

I became an affiliate of American Greetings and Blue Mountain Arts to be able to share these great money and energy-savers with you.  Smilebox (affiliate) has some great selections as well.  Most offer some FREE services.  I bought an inexpensive membership and have sent cards for birthdays, other holidays and special occasions.  I’ve even posted cards to friends Facebook pages. I’ve been able to include personal written messages.  I think you can include pictures or video, but I haven’t explored that yet.  It’s wonderful!  Give it a try.

You’ll find them listed on my HOLIDAY IDEAS and SPECIALS page of my website, or simply click the links in the post above or on the buttons below!  Enjoy!

Don't panic! It's not too late to send Mother's Day eCards.

We all know that feeling of a weekend or occasion sneaking up on us ! Ugh. Those of us who are into making family memories meaningful are especially distressed when something of family importance "falls through the cracks!"

Well, it’s not too late to send a free eCard to your mother, mother-in-law, grandmother or someone who is “like a mother” to you. I use eCards all the time now. They can be scheduled ahead (when you ARE thinking about it), or they can be sent at a moment's notice.

So warm your loved one's heart with an eCard from Smilebox. My friends sent me Smilebox greetings at Christmas time. They were among my favorite things I received online. I signed up right away. Smilebox eCards, indeed, create smiles and warm hearts. You have to see them to believe them.

You may want to send one, in addition to other thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts or cards--whatever you choose. Click on the little smilebox in the right column of my blog (under my Examiner badge) to visit the site, and create amazing greetings with your photos and videos with music. Email them free.

Have an enjoyable Sunday, everyone.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” I have an affiliate relationship with Smilebox. I chose only affiliates that I believe will be a valuable service to my readers.