When I was a freshman in college, I loved to send Hallmark cards to my friends “back at home”. As a former military brat, I was used to being away from family and friends and writing long letters to stay connected. Since I was so busy with cheerleading studying, the cards that I sent were a great way to convey my feelings (and I had all the feelings in college!). Because email was a fairly new concept, and I was about 2 years away from having a cell phone, greeting cards were my way of it really keeping up with folks. Of course, things are different now.
Now, we can text or tweet or send an email at any time. Even still, I sometimes find myself being less connected than I was in the past. If someone isn’t on Facebook, it’s likely that I don’t chat with them at all. No, really. There are some people that aren’t on Facebook, like my husband. If we didn’t live together, I’m not sure we’d even be able to keep in touch! Other folks like an awesome aunt, some of my cousins, old co-workers…it’s rare that we connect, even with technology. That’s one of the reasons that I took part in the Hallmark Get Carded Challenge.
What is the Hallmark Get Carded Challenge?
The Hallmark Get Carded Challenge is all about getting back in touch with people that you care about. I sent 7 cards in 7 days to different people that matter to me…even though they aren’t on Facebook. An old colleague who spends the summer working in camps received a fun Hallmark card wishing them lots of fun at summer camp. An old friend was encouraged by a card that thanked her for being an inspiration to me, and others, and an old boss was surprised that I remembered him when he opened up the card I mailed him that wished him happiness.
You know, technology is awesome. It totally lets us be in the now, and right now. But there’s something that’s just so sweet about connecting with good folks from your past. I love when I read a greeting card and it reminds me of someone. And it’s much more tangible than a tweet. So, you know what’s next. That’s right! I’m inviting YOU to participate in the Get Carded Challenge. Maybe you can’t think of 7 people that you’d like to send cards to, but I’m sure there’s at least one person that would be super excited to hear from you. My friends at Hallmark are even offering my readers 30% off at Hallmark.com if you use the code BLOG30.
Alrighty…who’s it going to be? Who is going to Get Carded, and have their day made by you? 🙂
Disclosure: I received product from Hallmark for sharing information about this sweet promotion. Bloggers, if you’d like to post about the Get Carded Challenge, sign up here.
I love sending cards and I have tons of personalized stationary. No matter the age, I think there is something so very special about getting mail. I’m going to accept the challenge on behalf of my son and help him send 7 cards next week. I think that his godmother, grandmother, old teacher, etc would love them!!
Yay, @MrsTDJ:disqus!!!! Let me know how they react!
Cards are nice. Especially for no reason. It’s nice to be nice.
And isn’t that what it’s all about, @Pamlovesbooks:disqus? Being nice!
YEAH for hand written notes in cards! And who doesn’t like getting ‘nice’ mail? Want to brighten a kids day? Send them a card in the mail.
Oh, that is so smart, @sarahmock:disqus! I’ll let Ayva mail some cards to her little cousins!
I am a hand written note junkie! So many people have let go of doing this, especially in business. I can think of 7 or more people to send cards out to right now.
You said that before. I’m definitely taking this tip from you!
It’s so awesome that you posted about this, because I just loaded up on notecards last week. I made it my mission to drop my friends a line at least every other month. It was really important to me in college as well, and now I want to make sure they are smiling from stuff other than a facebook status message.
I always try to have note cards on deck. I’ve been spacy lately in my letter/card writing so thanks so much for the reminder. A note in the mail is a great pick me up to anybody.
Yes! And that’s what I love about greeting cards, too. It conveys the feelings you want to get across even if you only have time to write a quick, “Thinking of you” inside!
I still like to send cards with handwritten notes on the inside. There is something wonderful about receiving a nice message you can hold in your hand and enjoy.
It really is, @janeanedavis:disqus. My husband is really good about picking greeting cards out for me that I just want to read over and over again.
Oh gosh I used to be the ‘card-sending fanatic’ back in the day!!! LOL Somewhere along the way I slacked off. Something I definitely need to get back to doing!
I can picture that, @MELISASource:disqus ! You are so considerate to others. Yes, pick up a pack of cards and a few stamps and just do it!
Thanks for commenting, Michelle D. Johnson Garrett! I really do get excited when something comes in the mail for me!
Yes, Saidah! See, that's how you make sure you get them out. That's a great idea, and definitely one that I need to borrow. Thanks for sharing!
That's the thing, right, @Patricia Patton? That someone actually cared enough about us to find the right card AND mail it. Wow. That's just…so sweet!
Okay, Ms. Sheri Luckey! I like that! I might have to do that…
Definitely is. I love getting cards during the holidays from folks. They seem to come every day, and they we like to display them!
I would LOVE a handwritten note from you! You are really good about keeping in touch, @Yolonda, so I'm sure sending cards wouldn't be a stretch!
You're welcome, @Tazim! And think about how surprised and excited the recipients will be!
That is so, so true, Kita! I remember spending so much time in the Hallmark card because I had to find JUST the right one!
Oh my, I’m all for hand written cards & notes! I love this initiative! I know ppl would be shocked to get something in the mail but the surprise & the thought behind it would make it all worthwhile. Kuddos to Hallmark for pushing the personal mailed card idea again…..
I have never given up on sending cards, just for the hell of it. I love it. Once, a couple of years ago, I wrote a good friend a letter (we spoke every day so she was really just getting random thoughts) but that I sat down and wrote it out and even wrote gee my hand is getting tired now — her scream-laughter was worth it. She still has it; that’s what means the most to me.