Greeting Card Etiquette
The greeting card provides an opportunity let someone know you are thinking of him and that you care. Whether free flowing prose or a poem that rhymes, sending a card can put your ideas and emotions into words. However, to be truly meaningful, you need to add some of your own thoughts and feelings. Learning the etiquette to selecting, signing and sending greeting cards will let your friends and loved ones know they are special.
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The History of the Greeting Card
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The exchange of written greetings goes back hundreds of years. The Greeting Card Association notes that in ancient China, written New Year's greetings were exchanged. Early Egyptians wrote greetings on papyrus scrolls. By the early 1400s, paper cards were created. Once cards could be easily reproduced, more people engaged in the concept of sending cards to acknowledge special occasions. In recent years, e-cards have also become an option for sending greetings.
When to Send a Card
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The time-honored greeting card is a gift for all seasons. In addition to traditional winter holidays, a greeting card is often sent for birthdays, graduations, promotions, housewarmings, Mother's and Father's Days, the birth of a child and any other momentous occasion. In addition to joyful celebrations, greeting cards can also be sent when someone you know has been ill or has experienced a death in the family. It is never too late to send a card for a special situation, although typically the closer to the occasion the better. There are times when it is actually helpful to send a second card long after the occasion. For example, when someone has experienced a loss and you want to let them know a few months later that you are still thinking of her or still available to help.
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Consider the Recipient
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Take time to consider the recipient of the card. Your brother-in-law may find a card hilarious that your coworker would find offensive. Your card must not only be appropriate for the age and gender of the person who will receive it, but for the relationship you have with the person.
Thoughts and Feelings
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The advantage to sending a greeting card is that a message is already written for you. However, this does not replace your own expression of feeling or thoughts. Add a phrase or sentence to let the recipient know that you share her joy, sympathize or wish her well. Even a phrase as simple as "Congratulations on the new job" can personalize a card more than simply signing your name. Linda Mooney of the Department of Sociology at East Carolina University reports that sentiments are described as socially significant feelings. She indicates that greeting cards are a tool in our emotional culture, symbolic vehicles carrying our expressions. Greeting cards can become treasured keepsakes when they contain heartfelt sentiments.
Envelopes and E-Cards
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The convenience of the computer has tempted many into abandoning the mighty pen. While some view paper cards as more personable, e-card options have expanded. The point of sending greeting cards is to take time to let others know you are thinking of them. What you want to avoid is appearing as though you are sending the greeting as an afterthought or barely fitting them into a tight schedule. In a CBS report Peggy Post, great-granddaughter-in-law of etiquette expert Emily Post, notes that etiquette is about being honest, thoughtful and considerate. It is not about following a set of rigid rules, but sharing your thoughts and feelings. As much as possible, make your greetings sincere and personal.
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References
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