Handwritten Christmas Cards: a Perfect Gift Idea This Year

As the digital age progresses, more and more people stop sending handwritten letters, seeing the optimum convenience of instant messaging. Indeed, when you can send and receive messages in a split-second, why waste your time writing and going to the post office?

But don't we miss the nervous excitement we feel every time we receive a handwritten letter? Even the one-liner notes we used to pass around in middle school could already make our hearts skip a beat! There's simply something special and intimate about a handwritten message that no technology can ever match.

Considering that, why don't you send handwritten Christmas cards to your loved ones this year? With everything going on in the world right now, we could all use a heart-warming moment, and that's exactly what your Christmas cards will give.

But instead of simply buying Hallmark ones with printed messages on them already, try to DIY, so that you can personally write your entire message. Then top them with beautiful crafty decorations, and receive more love in turn for the effort!.

If you're hesitating because letter-writing is time-consuming, your handwriting isn't good, or etc., those actually don't matter, because these will be the amazing effects of your handwritten letters:

1. Your recipients will have the most memorable present.

Didn't you also keep the letters you received in middle school and high school? That's exactly what your Christmas cards recipients will do as well. A thoughtful letter can be treasured for years, and no matter the season, your recipient will always re-read your letter with glee.

2. It will make them happier.

You may think that people are harder to please now, preferring expensive things and grand gestures. But in truth, even a “Hi!” with a genuine smile can already make their day. How much more if you pen your appreciation for them? According to a study, handwritten letters can decrease depressive symptoms, so just imagine the impact you'll leave to a friend who's going through a tough time.

3. It will create a wonderful surprise.

With every catastrophe happening in the world by the day, people probably think that nothing can surprise them anymore. But if you send them a personalized Christmas card, that'll be something they definitely didn't see coming. Chances are they'd also be surprised to find that they've enjoyed it more than the other material presents they got.

4. It will confirm the importance of your relationship.

Taking time and effort to create your Christmas card and write your letter by hand confirms to your recipient that you value them and your relationship. Indeed, who would go out of their way to craft a personalized card for them? No one but a person who loves and cherishes them!

5. It will keep them away from their phones.

Holiday celebrations aren't a time for people to scroll down on their feeds and watch how others are celebrating. But if they have nothing better to read, then they'll barely put their phones down. Hence, give them something worthwhile to do by sending them a handwritten Christmas card. They'll gush over it for the rest of the night, and go back to it again and again instead of refresh their feeds repeatedly.

Christmas Card Decorating Ideas

It's probably been ages since you last made a Christmas card. But don't be intimated now, because you don't need much to make them beautiful.

Simple cutouts can make cute decorations. If you're sending the card to a friend you used to build snowmen with, cut out a white paper or cardboard into the shape of a melted snowman. Use felt paper for the hat, then ribbons for the scarf. Fuzzy wires will do the trick for the hands. Then dot the rest of the blank space with paper snowflakes.

If your aesthetics are on the minimalist side, go for a simple plain-colored card, then add a personal touch by stamping your fingerprint on it. Put a cherry on top like an elegant tulle ribbon.

For a bedazzling look, add glitters or foil, then balance things out by using some leaves. The resulting look will be a lavish, earthy-themed Christmas card.

Consider inserting some photos into the cards, too. Since the pandemic has kept you away from each other, your recipient will surely be delighted at seeing that you've been thinking of the last time you spent together while you were writing your letter.

Call it old school, but Christmas cards, and all types of handwritten letters for that matter, will never lose their appeal. The love shown through time and effort is something no technology can beat. And this Christmas, the world definitely needs some of that love