Are you saying it’s too early to start thinking about Christmas cards?  Well, I’m sorry, you’re wrong.  And here I have a guest post from Kristen Steward – known on Twitter as @InstaMommy – with some tips for getting those cards in the mail.

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Daily life seems to move at a very fast pace, making it difficult to keep up with family and friends. Holiday stressors, gift shopping and holiday functions dominate your time. How do you show those close to you they still have a special place in your heart during the holidays?

These relationships are important to people and many are frustrated at their inability to keep in touch. Sure, social sites such as Facebook and Twitter help keep people connected, but during the holidays, people like to make face to face time with their close friends. The inability to connect with everyone close to them can result in added stress. Since in person connections are not always possible, keeping in touch through Facebook, phones, text messages and cards can help ease pressure on the relationship. Sending a personalized Christmas card with a personal message to those you cannot see communicates to the recipient that you are thinking of them over the holidays. Photo cards are especially beneficial for those you cannot connect with because it is something fun to open and provides a nice image of the family or children for the recipient. Creating several variations of personalized cards based upon the recipient is often helpful to convey a message they are sure to love!

Sending Christmas Cards to Distant Friends

Sending Christmas cards to distant friends, such as college roommates, is a great way to keep them in mind over the holidays. Friends have a unique bond with the husband or wife and are more interested in seeing photos of their friends as well as their children. Choosing a photo Christmas card that includes a photo of yourself, as well as your family, will be of interest to distant friends.

Sending Christmas Cards to Distant Relatives

Distant relatives enjoy seeing the entire family because they have a special relationship with all family members. So, when sending cards to distant relatives, be sure to send a Christmas card that includes your entire family; whether it’s a family portrait or individual photos of all family members.

Sending Christmas Cards to Animal Lovers

Don’t forget Sparky! Including pets in photos Christmas cards are a sure way to capture an animal lover’s heart during the holiday. Exchanging photos of animals is a great way to connect with that animal lover within your inner circle. Nothing brings a smile to one’s face than a picture of Sparky with a Santa hat on!

Sending Christmas Cards to Teachers

Sending Christmas Cards to student’s teachers, coaches and doctors is a type of card where sending the entire family portrait may not be necessary. Since these professionals have a special relationship with your children, a photo that includes the mother and father is not necessary. Sending a Christmas card with photos of your children only will be appreciated by the teacher, coach, doctor, etc.

Choosing the Right Christmas card for the Recipient

Personalized Christmas cards vary greatly in style and content, allowing people to choose what type of card best fits the message their family would like to send. Whoever the recipient, personalized Christmas cards are a great way to stay in touch with friends and family that not in your immediate circle, yet have a special place in your heart.  Relationships are an important part of health and joy, and using Christmas cards is an easy way to show the recipients you value your relationship.

all images courtesy of Shutterfly.com