Christmas time is a time for making everything a little more special, and sending elegant cards is definitely part of that equation. I do realize that ultimately, it’s the thought that counts… but is THAT it? Is that all that really matters?
Anyone can grab a package of cards and a roll of stamp and scratch out the names and addresses across the envelopes, they can add that tacky Dollar Tree sticker to the back and pop a stamp albeit crooked and probably upside down in the upper corner. It’s the thought that counts, right? Wrong. While it IS the thought that counts, how much thought goes into that thought is a prominent factor to the thought that counts. You’re already taking the time and energy to send out Christmas cards to your friends and family and taking it a few extra steps is easier than you think. Before I show you just how easy it is, let’s talk a little walk back in time to learn about the History of the Christmas Card.
A History of the Christmas Card
The first Christmas card came about in 1843 and was the genius idea of a prominent government official named Sir Henry Cole. Sir Henry helped the US Postal Service along by coming up with Penny Postage that everyone could afford thus hopefully making the mail system someone would be more apt to use regardless of which side of the tracks they came from. But that wasn’t enough to get this movement rolling. Sir Henry needed a way to entice all of British society. While all this was happening, Charles Dickens was publishing the Victorian staple “A Christmas Carol” and the Victorians were embracing the season and the spirit of Christmas in full swing! Sir Henry took notice of all this and remembered a tradition the Victorians would follow each Christmas. That tradition was to write letters to family and friends far away. Sir Henry had an idea to replace this tradition with a beautifully decorated Christmas card that could be sent instead. How wonderful it would be to receive such a beautiful and thoughtful token. With no artistic abilities of his own, Sir Henry commissioned a gentleman by the name of John Callcot-Horsley to design the first Christmas card and boy he didn’t disappoint. The first card was a lithograph that featured the images of Punch and Judy, a table covered with food and surrounded by people and ice skating. This was exactly what he needed, and Victorian society embraced this new tradition, and the rest is history.
Taking a queue from the regal and charming Victorians I think it’s time to bring back the art of an elegant and tastefully addressed envelope. The card inside can be anything you want it to be; funny, romantic, serious, religious, maybe it’s a beautiful taken photo of your family or pets… whatever you choose is special but what if I told you that you could amp up the anticipation of that card based on the envelope with just a few simple extras? Are you intrigued yet? Well you should be.
The envelope is the recipients first impression of what they are holding. The my elegant and thoughtful the envelope, the more anticipation and joy the contents will bring. Whether you have beautiful penmanship or not, using a calligraphy pen is a game changer when it comes to addressing those envelopes. Something about that magical pen and the angle you hold it on takes even the worst chicken scratch out there and makes it special. and they are very affordable. You could get an entire kit with a calligraphy book or just get a single one and watch a couple YouTube videos. Either way I highly suggest having one in your desk for occasions such as cards and place settings. Now that we know what we’re going to use to write with it’s time to ensure its straight. Perfectly spaced and perfectly straight. I have to use a ruler and pencil to create faint lines on my envelopes that I can write over and then erase. You want to make sure that the first step you take when it comes to sending those cards is to fill out the envelopes while they’re still empty. And don’t forget to add the return address. This is especially important on parcels but in my book, post as well. Not only does it let the Postal system know who to contact in case of incident, it’s the proper and formal way of announcing yourself and claiming this tasteful and simple gesture. Another proper form of etiquette I will follow is addressing them correctly according to the recipients. This means using “The Smith Family” if the card in fact is for an entire family. If the person is single, I will address it with the correct prefix before their name, Mr., Ms., Miss and Master. And most importantly, if they are newlyweds, I’ll be sure to use Mr. & Mrs. Smith. They love seeing that. I know I did.
Once the envelopes are all addressed it’s time to seal them. I advise using a dampened sponge to activate the glue on the envelopes to seal them, especially if you’re sending quite a few. Now comes the elegant and fun part. Instead of just stopping there or even adding a cutsie trendy sticker to the envelope seal edge, we’re gonna make it regal using wax and a stamp. Thanks to sites such as Amazon and Esty it’s easier than you think to get yourself a wax sealing kit.
Wax seals have been around since 206BC and originated in China. They were used to seal important messages. Back then they would fold the message and drip wax over the edge to seal it and ensure that only the intended shall ever see inside. From there it evolved into beautiful monograms or crests and today there is a wide variety of designs available for every taste. I purchased an “L” with some beautiful scrolling detail around it as my sealing stamp. it isn’t holiday specific and is appropriate for any occasion. I also purchased the very affordable molds for use with the wax. They have a round one and a scalloped one and they just add that extra detail to an already extra detail. I even use a coordinating ribbon that I trim off to sizes that fit my stamp. This gives the final result a very royal and regal feeling. I feel like Buckingham Palace has seals like this. If it’s good enough for the Windsors than its good enough for the Linds.
Start by placing your ribbons (if you’re using them) in the desired position over the sealed envelope edge in the center. Next set your mold if you’re using one. Set your wax spoon on the holder and light the candle underneath it. Place 3 pieces of wax in the spoon and melt it completely. Once melted pour the wax into the mold or just on the envelope, whatever way you are choosing to do it and then immediately set you stamp in place ensuring that it is straight before doing so. Now you have to wait for the wax to cool completely before removing the stamp and then the mold and what you are left with is this regal, beautiful, thoughtful looking envelope that is enticing the receiver to investigate further all while broadening the smile crossing their faces.
I take it a step further still by adding a touch of the same ribbon to the diagonal corners of the front of the envelope. Why should the party only be in the backyard? And then I top it off with a beautiful Christmas Stamp that has been placed perfectly straight in the upper right corner. What you are now holding is a very special Christmas delivery that you have chosen for that perfect person in your life.
Check out the stamp, molds, and wax seal kit I bought. The investment fir my lifetime was $33.00. The only thing I will need to purchase are more wax beads and they come in every color imaginable, so restraint is a must or before you know it your collection will require a cabinet of it’s own. Give this elegant DIY a try for yourself and bring back the lost art of sending an elegant Christmas card. Your friends and family will look forward to receiving one of these beautiful packages and you might even be considered the GOAT of all card sending time.
