Month: May 2011

The Meaning of Memorial Day

Memorial Day and Veterans Day have a long and storied history. They began as two special days in our country’s history, Decoration Day and Armistice Day.  The first came into existence after the end of the Civil War almost 150 years ago as visitors to cemeteries in both the North and the South honored the war dead by “decorating” tombstones and gravesites with fresh flowers.  The latter holiday signified the end of the fighting on the Western front of the Great War (World War I) at the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” in 1918.  Again, that day was to honor those who died in that war.  Since the advent of both holidays, there have been quite a few changes, however.

Although Decoration Day began to be known as “Memorial Day” beginning in 1882, it was not declared the official name by Federal law until 1967.  The following year, Congress passed the Uniform Holidays Bill, moving the celebration (which had always been on May 30) to the last Monday in May instead so that Americans could have a convenient three-day weekend, thereby “announcing” the unofficial beginning of summer.  That same bill also moved Armistice Day–better known since the end of World War II as Veterans Day–to a Monday.  (Because of public furor, however, the official celebration of that day was moved back to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978.)

The Gallery Collection features several patriotic Christmas cards, the designs of which are perfect for holidays such as Memorial Day and Independence Day or even Veterans Day for those who are inclined to send out cards commemorating those days. It’s a wonderful way to remember those who have given so much.

Both holidays were meant to be special days on which the United States and its people would honor those who fought and/or died in all the wars in our country’s history, for which these special days are now known.  Although this is still the thought and practice for many people, over time thinking about our fighting men and women on these days has become much less important, having been replaced by visits to the mall or to the beach or staying at home and enjoying barbeques or video games during the long weekends. With U.S. military personnel serving all over the world–especially in far-away places like Afghanistan–and with the news of the demise of Osama bin Laden at the beginning of this month, a real sense of patriotism is in order for this Memorial Day.  Certainly having fun with family and friends and enjoying the warmer weather during the holiday weekend is a great thing.  But let us not forget how wonderful it is to have the freedoms we cherish in this country, thanks to those who came before us and those who continue to serve in our armed forces.  That’s what these holidays are all about.

Design 592AR – Precious Footprints New Baby Card

Searching for new baby cards to send to a neighbor’s daughter, I came upon Design 592AR – Precious Footprints New Baby Card, which made my heart stop. You see, the front of this card shows two little, gold-embossed footprints…so cute and tiny! What caused my reaction was that this past weekend I started to do some spring cleaning and I came upon a box with an album that I hadn’t seen in years; it was filled with new baby cards my wife and I had received when our youngest daughter was born more than 26 years ago. And, along with all the cards was this little piece of paper the hospital gave us shortly after she was born, showing her diminutive, petite feet – almost a replica of what the front of that baby card shows. Amazing!

Design 592AR - Precious Footprints New Baby Card
Design 592AR - Precious Footprints
New Baby Card

The beautiful style of Design 592AR – Precious Footprints New Baby Card, features a shiny white card stock with the words “Congratulations! On Your New Arrival” in gold foil below a pink, blue, and beige gift box. The footprints are in the center of the gift box and a foil ribbon completes the package. I knew the instant I saw this card that it would be perfect!

Personalized Holiday Cards + My Dog = Business Booming

When companies send personalized holiday cards there are always different thoughts behind them. Should it be informal, should it be formal, should I do foil, should I do ink? This paralysis of analysis can sometimes slow you down so much you don’t bother even sending cards out.

It may not seem like a big deal but getting personalized Christmas cards out to your clientele is truly significant. In these trying times it is nice to know someone remembers you spent money there. The card puts you back on the mind of your valued customer.

I found a fool proof way of doing cards each year. I sell heavy equipment parts. So each year I take a picture of my dog Frank and pose him on a new construction vehicle as the driver. So when I make my Christmas cards, I throw in the added bonus of a picture of Frank inside.

You cannot even imagine the reception this gets each year. There isn’t a returning customer who doesn’t ask about Frank when he or she comes through the door. And the key to that statement is, “when he or she comes through the door.” I want my customers to return, I hope if you are a business owner you would want the same. I guess the only exception would be a funeral home. I suppose there is not much return business when it comes to that.

In most businesses you need to go that extra mile for your customers. The moral of the story is take time to put together a personalized Christmas card and have fun with it. It does not have to be something you worry about doing each year, you can make it exciting!

Design 725CS – Vintage Holiday Greetings

The old family Woody! Design 725CS – Vintage Holiday Greetings Card, is the perfect image for personalized holiday cards. Most people love to see that old automobile in photos or drawings; it may bring back fond memories of times past, a reminder of friends and family and holiday traditions that you still pass on to this day. What a great way to put a smile on the face of everyone who receives this treasured holiday classic!

Design 725CS – Vintage Holiday Greetings Card, is a beautiful watercolor of the woody wagon automobile all dressed up for the season, carrying home the beloved family Christmas tree and all decked out with a wreath pinned to the grill of the car. The bright Christmas red of the automobile against the green tree makes this card a true stand out. It is finished off with a hint of silver foil to add a little bit of sparkle. This holiday card is so beautiful it can be framed and displayed, and bring joy to all who see it, all year long.

Design 725CS - Vintage Holiday Greetings Card
Design 725CS - Vintage Holiday Greetings Card

Take Your Child To Work Day 2011

I love and totally support “Take Your Child to Work Day”. When my son was growing up, he would constantly ask me what I do when I go to work. Explaining it was easy, but I don’t think he could imagine the way I would look or how I would talk, act or interact with the people I worked with. Whoever first convinced their employer to let them bring in their child should take a bow, because it has become widespread and accepted by a large number of forward thinking employers. My son now takes himself to work, and probably doesn’t ever think about what I do on a daily basis.

Feeling a little left out of this new yearly event, I watched other people’s children come to work with their mother and father. Living vicariously through them I experienced how much joy and pride their parents were feeling. Not actual jealously, but always just a touch of what if.

Take Your Child To Work Day 2011
The children had lots of fun at the office, and they learned a lot too!

This year my niece mentioned that she would not be taking her daughter, Grace, to work with her and I jumped all over that. “Maybe Grace would like to come with me”, I offered. Believe it or not Grace was so thrilled she had to immediately pick out her outfit a week in advance. Bright and early she showed up on my doorstep for the trip to work with a backpack full of things to do, assuming she would be bored.

Grace was thrilled to see that other children had come to work and there were activities for them. They were designing greeting cards, working on a newsletter and touring the office. She discovered in one day what I have always known: that I work for a fabulous company. The company provided a pizza lunch for the children, but more importantly they allowed us the time to show the children the intricate workings of a company. The president even spent time interviewing the children. Grace never opened her backpack and informed me she would be coming again next year. High praise!

Three things I re-learned from taking Grace to work.:
1. It is never too late to experience something new.
2. You don’t have to be a parent to experience parental feelings.
3. Children will always surprise and delight you.

My recommendation to you would be take the time next year to experience the total delight of having a child with you at work. If don’t have your own child – borrow one. Parents are surprisingly ready to lend their children out free of charge.

Design 713CS – Glowing Ornament Christmas Card

I remember many a Christmas Eve, much like Design 713CS – Glowing Ornament Christmas Card, when I was younger and it would snow. There was about a foot of snow on the ground and everyone was walking to Church for the midnight service, and I felt such an overwhelming sense of peace. As I entered the church there was warmth and a feeling of belonging. Later that evening we all sat together near the tree and read our Christmas cards, and everything seemed right in the world.

When I look at Design 713CS – Glowing Ornament Christmas Card, I imagine the peaceful serenity of that Christmas Eve as the choir sings in the small village church surrounded by pine trees and twinkling stars. The snow is slowly falling in fluffy flakes as you warmly embrace the message of joy on a cold December evening. That sense of belonging and peace is enclosed in this holiday ornament card depicted on a glossy white card stock. The pale blue ribbon and colorful ornament are lined in elegant silver foil next to the simple message of Merry Christmas.

Design 713CS - Glowing Ornament Christmas Card
Design 713CS - Glowing Ornament
Christmas Card

I know when you send this card everyone receiving it this Christmas will feel that you have shared something special with them.

Staying Connected with Birthday Cards for Business

I work at a large, international company. It is often difficult for such a company to make its employees feel special and appreciated as individuals. As much as they would like to, senior management simply cannot speak one-on-one with each and every employee. One easy way for such a company to make its employees feel individually valued is to send them each an individual birthday card. Birthday cards for business can be personalized to each employee, and imprinted with a company’s logo and names of the company executives. The executives can sign the cards, or even have their signatures imprinted on the cards.

There are many themes to choose from: celestial, gift boxes, balloons, etc. Whatever style is chosen, corporate birthday cards are sure to brighten an employee’s day! They are also an easy, cost-efficient, and friendly way for a large company to stay connected to the people who matter most.

Design 826CX – Holly Berry Season’s Greetings

Design 826CX – Holly Berry Season’s Greetings, is a design that truly invokes the beauty of nature during the holiday season. The simplicity of nature has always shown me beauty which enables me to decorate my home for the holidays with style and grace. Gathering holly and berries is an annual event for my family. We go to our place in the country for a weekend every year in early December. Bright and early after a pancake breakfast we visit the local Christmas tree farm and cut down the perfect tree and amidst friendly teasing we tie it to the top of our car. Saturday afternoon finds us out in the woods gathering all the holly and berries we will need for the season. It’s always a wonderful family memory that lingers long after the holidays are over. Every year I try to find personalized Christmas cards for my office that match the wonderful holiday feelings that trip to the country gives me.

Design 826CX - Holly Berry Season’s Greetings
Design 826CX - Holly Berry Season’s Greetings

Design 826CX – Holly Berry Season’s Greetings, is a lovely hunter green card embossed with gentle swirls. The gold frame in the center appears to have a mesh screen of gold with a perfect gathering of gold foil holly branches highlighted by red foil berries. These are gathered together with a brighter green foil ribbon and bow with the simple message of “Season’s Greetings” printed below. A perfectly elegant holiday card with good thoughts sent from a firm of people who love the simple pleasures of life.

World Events that Shape & Shatter Lives

After the official announcement that Osama Bin Laden was dead was made by the networks and confirmed by President Obama late last night, the cameras showed crowds of people outside the White House and New York’s Times Square joyously celebrating.  But when I heard the news, I did not feel joy.  Yes, I did feel some relief that, after almost a decade since 9/11, we finally found the man responsible for all the killings, meeting out the long ago-promised justice.   I am proud to be an American and that feeling of unity we all felt after that fateful day has returned.  It took awhile, OBL was now silenced forever.

But I immediately began to wonder what the ramifications would be.  Would it demoralize terrorists all over the world now that their leader was dead and make our country and the world’s future safer?  Or, would his death infuriate terrorists so that we will need to be more ready than ever for acts of vengeance?  More importantly, does the death of Bin Laden bring any real closure to those who lost loved ones on that day almost 10 years ago?

Will sympathy cards be sent to those who have loved and lost on the 10th anniversary of September 11 to demonstrate their beloved father, mother, son, daughter or friend is gone but in no way forgotten?

I invite those who have an opinion about yesterday’s events to add their comments.

Moms, Manners, and Corporate Thank You Cards

When I was a little girl, my mother not only taught my siblings and me manners, she insisted on us using them. From as far back as I can remember, she never let us get away without using them. Oh, Dad contributed to these life lessons as well, but it was Mom who was the diligent enforcer of the rules. Saying “Thank you” was just as important as “Please,” “May I,” or “Excuse me.” Thank you was a way to acknowledge that you appreciated what the person had done for you. What does this have to do with corporate thank you cards you might ask? Just think how you feel when you have taken the time to do something for someone and they don’t even acknowledge it. You might think it was a waste of time and why would you bother to do anything else. In business, that is the last message we want to convey. Whether or not it is an employee or a business associate makes no difference. Everyone wants and needs to be appreciated.

Now I’m not saying that if one doesn’t receive a thank you note every time that they do something, they won’t do it again. What I am saying is, knowing that someone has taken the time to show that they have noticed your efforts will go a long way in the goodwill department.

My mother used to have a saying (and I bet your mother did too) – You will catch more bees with honey….you know the rest. What applies in your personal world applies in the corporate world. Now more than ever, it is important to apply all of those life lessons that our mothers tried so hard to instill in us. Although my mother is no longer with us, I am grateful everyday that she took the time to ensure that manners became a part of my everyday world. I don’t have to think about it. It is a part of my everyday. It’s as natural as brushing my teeth.

Although not limited to thank you cards, keeping a supply of business greeting cards on hand is one of the best ways to convey your message. Having a supply on hand ensures that you will always have a card ready to go, for any occasion.