How to Mail Holiday Cards Abroad

Send those cards early!

Things You'll Need

• Family Photographs
• Holiday Greeting Cards
• CD Players
• Printers
• Rob McConnell Big Band Christmas CD
• Sing-Along Carols CD
• Windham Hill Carols CD
• Postage Stamps
• Address Labels
• Printer Paper
• Home Computers

Instructions

1. Keep your list of people to send holiday cards to on your computer. When it's time to send the cards, print out self-stick labels, which are available in many styles and colors. Update your list whenever you receive a card.

2. Write a Happy New Year letter with your family's news to put in each card - you can use the same one in all of your cards if you keep the information general. Use pretty holiday stationery. Include a family photo as an added treat.

3. Keep up your holiday spirit while doing the cards by sipping cocoa and listening to carols.

4. Note that the post office requires envelopes to be no smaller than 3 1/2 by 5 inches. Cards larger than 6 1/8 by 11 1/2 inches and thicker than 1/4 inch need additional postage.

5. Weigh your cards before sending. Postage for the first half-ounce is 60 cents, and it's 50 cents for each additional half-ounce.

6. Allow a minimum of seven days for delivery. Two weeks is usually your best bet for timely delivery.

7. Make sure that the address is clear and correct. Include the English name of the destination country.

8. Mark the envelope "Airmail."

9. Note that decorating the envelope with holiday stickers or drawings may delay your mail in some countries.

Tips & Warnings

• Include your return address followed by "USA" on the envelope.