It’s the time of year again when we are starting to think about Christmas, and everything to do with it. Over the next few weeks we’ll start to gather more and more bits and pieces until finally December arrives and we are all in full Christmas mode. One of the things on that list, is sure to be your Christmas Cards. It might be a good idea to get them in early, as you can get the good ones, as well as having them ready to go come the beginning of December. And perhaps this year you have decided to design your own, which is a great way to make them even more personal. However, you may be in a situation where you’re not just sending them to friends and family, but also to work colleagues, and are suddenly hit with a bit of a dilemma: Do you design the same cards to your colleagues/employees? Or do you get different ones?

This may seem like a simple problem, however can be more difficult than some might think, as with colleagues there is a established working relationship that needs to be kept, while also showing them some Christmas cheer. However, you don’t want to either do nothing, or send them the most bland Christmas Card that even Scrooge would be ashamed of it!

Within this article, we are going to let you in on a few industry tips on how you can get the balance right between work and family this Christmas season.

Christmas Cheer

When you are picking or designing cards for family and friends, a good idea is usually to go with something heartfelt. Something that shows that you care and if possible, are looking to spending the holidays with them. In regards to work colleagues or employees however, you might not want to give them the same message. It isn’t that you aren’t wishing them good holidays, but just that you know where you can split family and work.

In regards to this, why not try something humorous on the cards that you give to you colleagues or employees? There are lots of different ways to do this, and you can still keep them personal, such as by designing around traits, nicknames or hobbies somebody might have. Or perhaps an inside joke between the two of you that has been going for years? While this may take some more work, it means that not everybody in the office will get the same card, and as such it will make them seem more special than they might have been.

It’s all in the design

So you’ve decided to design your own Christmas Cards this year, but you’re also planning on giving them to work colleagues/employees, as well as family. In that case, it might be a good idea to have two separate designs at the ready. The reason for this is your colleagues/employees might not appreciate getting Christmas Cards that have hearts or ‘Love at Christmas’ on them. Best practice we here at kaizenprint.co.uk have found, is to stick to something like a winter scene if your design skills can stretch to it, for example a cottage surrounded by trees and covered in snow. If not however, and you are just sticking to basic designs, then perhaps go for something like Christmas Trees? This may sound a bit boring, however it doesn’t have to be. If used with a minimalist design style (which won’t put too much stress on you) they can look clean, and inviting, while also giving off the Christmas Vibe that you are looking for. As well as this, they will immediately look like they have been handcrafted, showing that love went into them, without weirding out your work mates!

On that note, I hope that I have been able to provide some guidance in keeping your Christmas Cards both at home and in the office. In regards to that, if you are in need of some assistance with the design of your Christmas cards, please do not hesitate to call us on +44 (0)28 9507 2007 or get us via our contact form.

And if you also need a hand in printing them, we are more than happy to help with that too, either give us a ring on 028 9002 2474 or get us on our contact form.