I enjoy Christmas cards. I send business Christmas cards to all of my clients, many of my vendors, and about a hundred or so personal cards to my friends, relatives, and neighbors.

After I wrote a column a couple of years ago about my love of Christmas cards, I snapped this photo of all the cards I received at home, taped up in my front hall, just to show that I not only send lots of cards, but I receive them as well.

I’ve been sending Christmas cards my entire life, so I’ve learned a thing or two about them, and I’m going to share some tips with you, dear reader.

First off, don’t get caught up in political correctness. In my experience, everyone enjoys receiving a card, and everyone understands that the Christmas season is a huge holiday in the United States (and in fact all of North and South America.) I send cards to friends and clients of all faiths, or no faith at all. Send a card to anyone to whom you wish to offer a sincere greeting.

This applies to other cultures as well. I send Christmas greeting cards to friends on many continents including countries where Christianity is uncommon and Christmas is not generally celebrated. Everyone is happy to receive a greeting in the mail, no matter what the occasion.

Don’t confuse holiday greeting cards with advertising. This is most assuredly not the time to stuff coupons, flyers or press releases in the envelope. That doesn’t mean, however, that you can’t put your logo on the card. I hand sign my personal Christmas cards, but on our corporate cards our logo is the equivalent of a personal signature. After all, the card is not just from the president, salesman or owner; it is from everyone in the company.

If you have a clever artist on staff, whip up your own custom card with Santa’s elves scurrying around the bindery or some such levity.

Now is not the time to show off your mailing prowess. Neatly hand address every card and use first class holiday stamps.

Lastly, don’t be stingy with holiday cards. Save the expensive gifts for your biggest clients, but everyone deserves a card in the mail. Vendors too. If you have more than one contact within a company, consider sending each a card. Same goes for clients with multiple locations.

Is it too late to get cards out in time for Christmas? No problem; a New Year’s card will also be appreciated.

Whatever the season and whatever your preferred greeting, allow me to wish you a Merry Christmas, from Johnson’s World to your world.