This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SendHallmark #CollectiveBias

I hate to get all sentimental with you all, but I am going to anyway! The holidays are a very special time for me, as it was my grandmother’s most favorite time of each year. She would spend DAYS shopping for Christmas presents, and then she would spend HOURS sitting in her room at her wrapping station. I can see it SO vividly in my mind. If I could go back in time, I would definitely snap some pictures of the things we wouldn’t think we would want to have. This would be one of those memories! It’s nice to have the memory, of course, but it would be lovely to have something tangible to cling to.

Besides gifting, my Grandma was really big on Christmas decorations. Her home was delightfully festive from Thanksgiving until New Years. Every year, I would help her get everything set up, and my brothers and I would help put up the Christmas ornaments. A new ornament for each year was an exciting addition, along with those DIY decorations! She would also take the time to send out a card to practically everyone in her address book! Are you starting to get the picture of just how into Christmas she was?!

Since I’m now an adult with a husband, I am happy to begin carrying on her traditions and of course, starting some of my own. I take joy in putting up multiple Christmas trees, shopping for new decor, making my home comfortable and glittery, and filled with love!

With the help of Hallmark Holiday Greeting Cards, I am all about making memories that can be keepsakes. Writing Christmas cards is a common tradition, and I love sending hand-written notes! I’ve decided to take it a step further this year and go really sentimental in the Hallmark Card I give my husband when we continue our Christmas tradition of trading ornaments at the beginning of December!

This year, I’ve gotten him an ornament by Hallmark with some cute penguins and including a photo of his two favorite things- me and Joey (our cat!) I’ve wrapped it up all cute for him, so I know he will love it, but I know he will appreciate the Hallmark Card even more. Sparing the gushy details, we have made some really adult decisions lately, and I just want to make sure that he knows how much I appreciate him. Seriously, guys! There is no one I would rather spend my holidays with, head into a new year with, and do pretty much anything ever with than that guy. That’s why I wanted to give him the PERFECT Holiday card this year! Here are some tips to help you select the best one for your loved one.

How to Give the Perfect Keepsake Holiday Card

1. Begin with keeping that person in mind while you shop. For example, my husband is a funny guy, but can appreciate sentiments well. I didn’t want to find a card that had a long, drawn out poem (not his style) but I didn’t want to go the typical “funny” route as I would normally do. (This is supposed to be sentimental!) I chose a simple card, with a sweet message. Hallmark has plenty of cards to choose from, so just go browse the aisle at Walmart and I am sure you will find the perfect fit.
2. Use a proper writing utensil & write legibly. Don’t rush around a find a pen that “kind of works” and forces you to push down too hard. Don’t write your sentiments in pencil or crayon. Use a pen that is easy to write with and has good ink! I like to use a black Pilot G2, because I like the extra black formula and how comfortable the pens are to hold. Nothing too fancy like a calligrapher’s pen, but just a touch nicer than the pen you stole from the bank a few years ago. Once you have the right pen, slow down and take your time. No need to rush!
3. Say all the nice things you have wanted to say in a long time to the person, but don’t make the note TOO long. You will want to be sure there isn’t another page of paper you will have to attach! If there is anywhere to get all the great things you want to say out, it’s in a greeting card. You can over-flatter all you want, but make sure you condense it in a way that is easy to read and isn’t over-complicated.
4. Don’t start a debate. Refrain from saying things in cards that are controversial or might bring up bad thoughts. If you want someone to keep and cherish your gift as a tangible memory, they likely will not if they feel they didn’t get respectful treatment in the card. You can dig deep into your feelings, but keep it on the lighter, nicer side instead of going dark.
5. Genuinely keep the recipient in mind. Think of them throughout the whole process and take the time to truly cherish them. They will notice the thought and effort put into it. Yes, people can tell when they get a cheap card with a “Love, Bob” note written.
6. Send your card in a timely fashion. Be on time or early. Don’t make people think they were an afterthought! In general, I would say to send out all your cards and gifts no later than December 15th! This gives 10 days for delivery and receipt and should be plenty of time for the recipient to open before the holiday.

While you’re in the card-writing mood, you can also pick up some for the kiddos! They have really cute ones you can mail to your nieces and nephews. What kid doesn’t like getting mail addressed to them? Especially when they are as cute as these ones!

Do you have any memory-making Christmas traditions? I think hand-written cards are the way to go when it comes to gifting keepsakes! Check out