How do you handle getting Christmas greeting cards out?

What is your timeframe?


How long does this take you? I am trying to do ten cards a day.


Do you have your list on a computer file or hand-written?


How many Christmases did it take you to compile the list?


How do you find people who have moved? Do you even try?


Do you write notes in each one?


About how many do you send out?


It's sort of overwhelming me..... Any tips on making it easier?

How do you handle getting Christmas greeting cards out?
I do a little each day. Like when I am sitting around watching t.v. or something. Also I have a address book for Christmas cards. When I get one from someone new then I add it to the book. If someone has moved I get there new address off the card they sent. If they don't send me one or I don't have an address some other way I just take them off the list.
Reply:I usually get pics taken at sears, make up my list, address them and mail. Last year I used Shutterfly with my own image, and they were nice.


I kind of want to do that again this year, but I'm not motivated to do ANYTHING. I have to get in gear in the next week or so.


Make a lot of lists--who you're going to send them to, what exactly you want, how much postage you'll need (dont' forget notes on extra postage if you're sending overseas).


If people have moved, I try the last # I had for them, or someone who may have known them.


Look online for people too, www.zabasearch.com is pretty decent.


Good luck with it all.
Reply:I put together a list of names and addresses in Excel that I can print out on labels (using Microsoft Word). I put the list together (about 36 addresses) during my wedding planning time a few years ago. I order my cards online (photo cards) in November and try to have the cards out by the first week in December. Using Word for the to and from labels really saves time. I worry about address changes after I order my cards.
Reply:I think you are on the right track by doing 10 a day. I keep my addresses in an old fashion address book. I update has needed by marking through the old ones.


I do write a short message in some of the cards, but I just sign for my family.


In the past I have sent many cards. I gave one to each person I worked with, each child I taught and then family and friends. This year is different so I will send less to family and friends. We moved and I have not been able to get a new job. I looked at cards this week, but didn't see any that I loved yet.





Merry Christmas to you!
Reply:First, gather all of your addresses and put them in a word document, create labels. Save it and update when you need them. If you don't have a computer, get a three ring small binder for this purpose and just keep them all there. Update when you receive the changes. Organization is your best friend. I don't send out that many Christmas cards. I'm not that organized. I've lost touch with some people. That doesn't help. I don't receive that many Christmas cards anymore.


It sounds like you have a decent plan. But feel free to take a break when you need to. You are in control. Remember that.