Americans wills end nearly 2 billion holiday cards this year! A favorite tradition that most people say they wouldn't dream of giving up, sending holiday greetings is a wonderful way to keep in touch with long distance friends and relatives, as well as a way to thank business associates and clients for their faithfulness throughout the year.



Although a popular activity, sending out holiday greetings can be time consuming. From choosing the right cards for individual groups of people (friends, family, professional associates, etc), to writing personal notes, addressing them and finally getting them to the post office in plenty of time for Christmas delivery, it's no wonder today's busy consumer is looking for ways to make the entire process quicker and easier.

If you're strapped for time this holiday season try some of these time saving tips:

-Buy and address your cards early. Most stores beginning selling holiday cards in early October, which a great time to begin the card addressing process before other holiday stresses kick in. Or commit to working on jus a few cards every night for the months of October and November to make the job less stressful.

-Make a list of people that you would like to send cards to, then divide that list into three groups: must send; want to send; and would like to send. Start with the must sends, and if you run out of time, opt to send a personalized letter later in the year to your want to send and would like to send list.

-Join a card-making club or make it an annual family tradition. Many people love to create their own holiday masterpieces. Some craft clubs around the nation hold card making classes and workshops and even Christmas card exchanges that allow participants to make a dozen or more of one type of card and exchange them for others. It's a great way to get a quick variety of homemade card styles. Or, use the same concept within your family and host a card-making day in late fall that allows everyone (including the kids) a chance to make their own cards to be sent to faraway family and friends in December.

-Have your cards preprinted. Many local printers as well as photo developing centers and even card manufacturers are happy to print your personalized message on the inside of the card you choose, as well as address your envelopes - some even handle the actual mailing! Although it may seem a bit impersonal to some, it can be a great timesaver for those too busy to do it themselves.

-Order your cards and stamps online to alleviate several trips out to purchase cards, buy stamps, etc.

-Always make a few extra cards and have them ready to address and mail for those you may have inadvertently forgotten, or for when you receive an unexpected card from someone you haven't heard from in years.

-Send a Thanksgiving or New Year's card instead. If the holidays are just too busy to include one more activity, try sending out pre or post holiday cards. Thanksgiving cards are a wonderful way to express how thankful you are to have certain people in your life. New Year's cards can often be made and addressed during those letdown days immediately after the holiday. Not only a great way to extend the holiday a few days longer, but cards sent then are often enjoyed more by those receiving them since they aren't thrown on a pike with a dozen others to be read quickly and set aside.

-Sending out Holiday greetings to your friends and family should be an experience you enjoy. Don't let the stress of the holidays take away the fun of catching up with those you don't hear from often. Start early and take your time. You'll be glad you did.