Holiday Card Etiquette for Business
The holidays are a wonderful time to extend well wishes and reach out to business associates and potential clients who you have encountered throughout the year. Following a few etiquette tips when giving holiday greeting cards will help you to maintain a professional and favorable reputation.
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Sending Generic Holiday Cards
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When sending greeting cards to business associates during the holiday season, it's important to keep the cards' message generic so as not to offend individuals who do not celebrate Christmas. Cards with headings such as "Happy Holidays" or "Peace on Earth"are appropriate. Greeting cards that contain images of the Nativity, Christmas trees and other symbols specifically associated with Christmas should be avoided.
Signing the Card
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Each holiday card should have the sender's hand-written signature, even if the sender's company name and/or sender's first and last name are printed on the card, as this is a more personal gesture. Cards should be signed with dark ink, preferably black. A short note, also hand-written, should be included in each card that is sent. Notes can simply emphasize the overall message of the card, e.g. "wishing you and your family happiness this holiday season." It is improper etiquette to enclose a business card with a holiday greeting card.
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When to Send Cards
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It is acceptable to begin mailing holiday cards to clients or business associates the week after Thanksgiving. If cards are being hand-delivered to co-workers, this can be done at the company party, or the week before employees are scheduled to have time off work for the winter holiday. Etiquette also suggests that postage stamps be used to send cards instead of the company postage meter.
Cards From a Group
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If more than one co-worker is sending a holiday card, the person signing the card always signs his name last (e.g. employees sending a group card to a boss). A personalized note is generally not required for cards that are sent from one employee. For cards that are sent by couples who run a business together, the wife's name should be engraved on the card first.
Cards and Gifts
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It is not a requirement to give a gift with a holiday card, although it is a nice gesture and will be appreciated by the recipient. Edible gifts are acceptable to send with a holiday greeting card, such as small cakes, pies or cookies. A gift of flowers can also complement the card--white or red flowers in keeping with the traditional colors of the holiday are appropriate.
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References
- Photo Credit holiday card image by SZILAGYI ANNAMARIA from Fotolia.com
