Ready for Christmas: Christmas card tips!

Smart tips can make it easier to address, write and send Christmas cards. Try these ideas to keep the cheerful in the chore:

Card Tip: Buy Stamps Early!
Holiday stamps go on sale in late October, and are often in short supply when they're needed, in December. Buy holiday stamps early for the best selection, and treat yourself to one less wait at the Post Office next December. Simpler still: order stamps online from the USPS web site at http://www.usps.com and save a trip!

Card Tip: Many Hands!
Involve the whole family when signing and addressing Christmas cards. Divide cards between spouses and older children, or do a quick round robin, with each family member adding a short line to each card. Many hands make light work--and ease the writers' cramp!

Card Tip: Break It Down! Break card chores down into do-able segments. Penning three or four greetings every day or so yields a livelier correspondence-and is a lot easier on the pensmanship than signing a hundred cards in a single frenzied sitting.