Sending postcards is pretty old, not many people do it. But there’s always that touch of sincerity that goes a long way to get the message across. Knowing how to add that effect is an acquired skill, which you can learn right here.
A postcard is a fun way to tell someone they are remembered. A postcard can be dubbed as a one page greeting card, since it is made of a single sheet of card paper. A typical postcard has a cartoon, a picture or some graphics on one side; the other side of the card is divided in such a way that any text message can be written on one half, and the address of the recipient goes on the other half. For this reason, a postcard can be mailed without enclosing it in an envelope. Postcards can usually be sent at cheaper rates than greeting cards and letters. A man by the name John P. Charlton created the first commercial postcard in the United States. The earliest postcards were created to serve as a way of communicating quick notes and instructions. Postcards have since metamorphosed into a personal communication method, a way of spreading information about something, even a mode of entertainment (through funny postcards carrying a joke, or a caricature with a one-liner, etc.).
Postcards have a very limited space on them to carry your message. Hence it is essential you come to the point, and come to it soon! Here are a few tips on writing the appropriate message.
A Plain Postcard
A postcard can be either illustrated or plain (i.e. one without any pictures, illustrations or graphics). Such postcards typically have one entire side that is blank (where you may begin writing), while the other side is again divided into two; one half designated for the address and the other half blank. Such postcards maybe used to write a short letter, convey some news (like the birth of a baby in the family), a condolence note, etc. The sample below will give you an idea of how to word a crisp letter on a postcard…
Tip: It is best to leave out extremely personal details while writing a postcard, since the card is not enclosed in an envelope, and anyone who can see the text on the postcard can potentially misuse it.
Hi Maria!
Hope you, Sam and the kids are doing well. It was great to have you over last month. We had a lot of ‘catching up’ to do. I am so glad we could all find the time to do it. We should do this more often…
Well guess what? We got that house we wanted! Remember I told you last time you were here? I am so happy. Looks like things are finally looking up and working out. That house is going to be perfect for our little girl to be born in, with the big garden and beautiful view. As you might have guessed by now, we will be shifting to our new house in a couple of weeks. Robert has taken a weekend off. I cannot possibly do all the packing on my own with a bun in the oven! LOL.
We will let you know after we have shifted and settled. Mom is thinking of clubbing the housewarming party with the baby shower. You know how she is… enthusiasm personified! Let’s see how things work out. I will keep you posted.
Hugs and kisses to Sharon!
Your Dee-Dee,
Jennifer.
A Picture Postcard
There can be various occasions to send out a picture postcard. Here are a few examples…
Vacation
One of the best kind of postcards to send out are destination postcards. For example, if you take a trip to some exotic place (like Hawaii, or India even!) you can send a postcard to all your friends from the place. The wording for such a postcard could be based around the general theme that you are missing the person. There are a lot of people we wish we could take along with us on a vacation; but not everybody can make it. A ‘Miss You!’ card sent from the destination would make the person feel really cherished…
Tip: A good idea would be to include the exact place and time at which you sent out the card. Remember to keep it short, simple and sweet. Sometimes a simple ‘Wish You Were Here’ can also make somebody’s day. It does not have to be elaborate always.
Time: 8.30pm IST
Place: City Palace, Rajasthan, India
MARK!
This is so **beautiful**
It took my breath away!
Wish you were here love…
– Carly
Season’s Greetings
It is a good idea to send your family members and friends a season’s greetings postcard. Practically speaking, a season change is hardly something to celebrate. But one can always use the occasion to drop in a ‘Hi’ at your relatives’ and friends’ places, isn’t it? Besides, each season has its own characteristic feel, colors, weather, all that can be a cause of joy. You can use a Season’s Greetings postcard to get in touch with everyone and to reminisce about the good times you had. Here are a few samples for the different seasons…
Tip: You can incorporate the colors of the season in the text you write or print, you may even use crayons or color pencils to color the postcard (the side on which you write). Both these ideas have been incorporated in the samples below. You can also use a leaf, or the petals of a flower that blooms in that season to decorate the postcard and give it a personal touch.
It’s Spring Time!
A time for rejuvenation, a time for flowers and lives to bloom!
Hope this Spring brings you a bagful of possibilities and prosperity in life!
– Regards, XXX
Summer is Here!
Surf’s Up! – for Summer is here!
Remembering you every summer has become a habit, since the last time we went to the beach and had fun together! Why don’t we plan something similar this year? It’s been so long…!
Waiting to hear from you…
– XXX
Harvest the Fruit of Life!
The last few days of summer are left, and soon we will all become wrapped up and cozy in our blankets!
So why not bid a jubilant adieu to summer and welcome winter with a smile on our faces and brandy in our hands?
Here is wishing you a colorful Autumn!
– XXX Family
Winter
It’s that time of the year when Santa will come along and leave presents in your stocking!
Wish you have the time of your life skiing and ice skating this winter
And wish you happy times, now and forever!
– XXX
Holiday
Another occasion to send out postcards would be holidays, like Christmas, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, etc. Holidays and festivals are something that add color, joy and happiness to our boring lives and give us a reason to go on a little longer and do a little better. While writing a postcard for a particular holiday or festival, make sure to mention the most significant things about the holiday or festival in the text you write. You may take a look at some greeting cards to get ideas about the wording, but don’t copy it entirely! Try to give it a personal touch…
Tip: It would be a good idea to attach some sweets or treat to the postcard. For example, if it is a Christmas postcard, you can attach a packet of Christmas candy cane to the postcard. If it is Fourth of July postcard, you can attach a small fabric flag!
“Dashing through the snow, In a one-horse open sleigh, O’er the hills we go, Laughing all the way!
Bells on bobtail ring, Making spirits bright, Oh what sport to ride and sing, A sleighing song tonight!”
As we raise a toast tonight, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
P.S.: We miss your cake Aunt Lucy!
– XXX
As long as you follow the KISS principle (Keep It Simple, Silly!), there isn’t much to worry when writing a postcard. Go by your gut feel, and always try to add a personal touch in whichever way you can. It is going to make the recipient feel nice and will bring a smile on his/her face. Scribble away… happy writing!
