Sometimes it is better to receive than to give, and Christmas cards is one of those instances. While some people have everything ready for their Christmas cards months in advance, others find that same old box of cards going untouched year after year. {relatedarticles}The good news is that the task isn't as daunting as it may seem. So even if you've never mailed a Christmas card in your life, there is no time like the present to start. The first step is creating a Christmas card list. Decide who you want to send a card to and make sure you have the mailing address. Try breaking up the list into sections so that you can tackle the project one list at a time. This way it won't seem as overwhelming. Select your cards. If you want to do a photo card, get that perfect picture ready. Walgreens, CVS, Sam's Club or even Wal-Mart will print out personalized photo cards or you can shop online at Kodakgallery.com or other Web sites to purchase them that way.
Stock up on stamps! If you're looking to avoid the long lines at the post office, pick up stamps at the grocery store, a packaging store or even online. If you plan on including a letter giving your loved ones an annual update on everything you've done this year, write it ahead of time. {relatedarticles}Doing one mass letter is far less time consuming than trying to pen a rundown in every Christmas card. Make an evening out of it. Invite over a few friends, serve some cocktails and whistle (or chat) while you work. Staying entertained will make it go much faster. Or if you prefer, make it a family affair. Assign each family member a task. Older children can address the envelopes, while the younger ones can stuff the cards or even put stamps on the envelopes. Just think of it as a new tradition!