As I grew up, my mom had an amazing system for card organizing, but I never really thought about it until now. I’ve been asked quite a few times by grandmothers with many children and grandchildren how to organize a way to get birthday and anniversary cards sent out on time. At the rate I’ve been going lately I decided to write about what my mother does and put it into practice.

My mother has so many friends and relatives to keep up with that she used to buy many cards all year round. Every once in a while, she started forgetting where she had them and would have to go out and buy another, only to find the original one after the date had passed. She saved up quite a collection this way. As a filer by nature, mom thought to put them in a file box. Usually after she would see a card, purchase it and bring it home, she’d fill it out after everyone had gone to bed and file it.

She rarely missed a special occasion or holiday and people loved her for it! Everyone needs to feel special and sending cards is a great way to make that happen.

Holiday Card Organizing

Tips to get started:

* Set up a file box and label the file folders January – December.
* Keep one empty file in front for stamps, the cards, and your list of Special Occasions so you have a reference when making out your cards.
* Keep another list of Special Occasions, in your planner so when you’re out and you see a card you like, you can reference your list.
* Pick a quiet time to sit down and write out your cards. You can try doing everyone in the first six months of the year in October and everyone in the second six months of the year in March. Set up a schedule that will work best for YOU.
* When you finish a card, address it.
* Up in the corner where the stamp goes, put the date that you want to mail the card and file it in the month to be mailed.
* At the beginning of each month, or when you do your bills, go into the file, take out the cards to be mailed within the next week or two. Put the stamp on them if they’re ready to be mailed or leave the stamps next to them if they aren’t to be mailed until later.
* Next, either mail them or put them in your purse or planner so when you run your errands you can drop them off.

My mom takes them out at the beginning of each month when she does her bills. She leaves the ones that have 2-3 weeks before they need to be mailed with some stamps, in a pretty box next to the front door. As she walks by she can see them and is reminded to mail them when the time is right. In my case they would go in the front pocket inside my planner. My planner is in my purse and I always see those papers in the front.

So you see, there are many variations. You need to find something that will help you manage to send out your special occasion cards.

Additionally, when my mom got her computer with Card Shop on it, she started making MOST of her cards on that. You see, like mom, a lot of people don’t just go out and pick a card, any card. When they’re out, if they see a card and think of someone, they’ll usually buy it in advance. They key here is remembering where you keep the cards you purchase in advance. Some forget that they bought the card in the first place and rush to the store (usually too late) to buy another one. I know, I’ve done the same thing. Others remember that they bought a card for this person, but then have to spend a lot of time searching for it.

What else?

Make time for what matters most – Relationships! They need to be nurtured. Don’t forget those around you who love you. Take some time today to write to a friend or family member you haven’t heard from in a while.

PS. I’ve been using a new system to stay on top of sending cards and gifts. It’s a real time and money saver!!! Click here to read my story.

©2002 Susie Glennan
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