Simplify Your Christmas Card Mailing List Process
Hello, holiday enthusiasts! Are you starting to think about sending out Christmas cards? If so, you're not alone! It's a wonderful way to spread holiday cheer, but let's be honest, it can sometimes feel a bit daunting. However, I’m here to share some easy and effective ways to send your holiday greetings without the stress.
Remember the Reason
Firstly, it's essential to remember why we send Christmas cards. It’s all about spreading joy and warmth during the festive season. If your efforts are starting to feel like just another task to check off, it might be time to rethink your approach. The spirit of the season is about connection and kindness, not just crossing names off a list.
Read our Battle of the Christmas Card Blog Post on Design Tips Here
Get Organized
One of the biggest hurdles in sending cards is managing addresses. It requires a level of organization that not everyone has naturally. But don’t worry, I’ve got a workaround that has served me well and doesn't tie you to any single platform or service, which can often lead to your contacts being bombarded with marketing emails—a big no-no for many!
Use Google Drive
My solution is simple: create a free Gmail account specifically for this purpose and utilize Google Drive. I’ve been a fan of Google Drive for managing not just addresses but all sorts of lists and documents. It’s accessible from anywhere, easy to update, and fantastic for collaborative efforts.
How to Set It Up
Here’s how you can get your address list organized without a hitch:
Create a Google Form: Set up a form in Google Drive to collect addresses from your friends and family. Here’s a template I created—feel free to make a copy and adjust it to your needs.
Distribute the Form: Share the form link via text or email. As responses come in, they’ll automatically populate into a spreadsheet.
Maintain Your List: Keep adding to this list over the years. I started mine in 2011 for my wedding and have simply added a new tab each year to keep it updated with new friends and contacts.
Pro tip: add a line for their birthday too.
Let Swift Help
And when you’re ready to send out those cards, remember that Swift Printing can handle everything from designing to printing to mailing your Christmas cards. The only thing we can’t do is make friends for you to send them to—yet. haha
Wrap-Up
I’d love to hear how you manage your Christmas card lists—every tip helps make the process smoother. As my coworker Adam cheekily reminds us, "Next year, Christmas will be on December 25th." 😄
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and stress-free holiday preparations! Don’t forget the reason for the season as they say.
Best,
Jes
