Special offer

Sending Out Christmas Cards

By
Real Estate Agent with Long and Foster Real Estate VA License # 0225089470

Sending Out Christmas Cards

Sending out my Christmas cards to past clients, friends and family this year I am feeling a lot more joy than I normally would while doing the task.  Maybe it is the very strained year with the pandemic that is making me appreciate my relationships more, or maybe that I reached the fifty year landmark this year.  Whatever is repsonsible, I'll take it.

Typically, I would be very concerned with writing anything too personal in a business Christmas card.  Not this year.  The spirit has taken over my mind, heart and hand.  Before I have had time to doubt myself, I will whip out a meaningful line to a client like, "Feeling particularly blessed to have you in my life."  I look at the card and wonder where that came from, smile, then seal the card.  There is no hesitation in sending out these warmer than normal wishes.

Of course, no two cards have gotten the same line.  And not all recipients have moved my pen to wax poetic on the card.   This year, it just seems perfectly natural to tell people that are truly special to me how I feel.  This has been a very emotional year.  

Comments(17)

Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Chris Ann - it seems you have found what "moves" you this season and it is being explored with thoughts, words and intentions.  Now, off to lots more handwriting of those many cards, stuffing the envelopes and addressing each.  Onward Blitzen!

Dec 07, 2020 12:36 PM
Chris Ann Cleland

Yep.  Just another way to keep in touch and make it personal.

Dec 07, 2020 03:00 PM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Chris Ann,

It is interesting how certain messages come to us from nowhere, and good for you for sharing that.  A

Dec 07, 2020 01:35 PM
Chris Ann Cleland

Go with the inspiration.

Dec 07, 2020 03:01 PM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Hi Chris Ann Cleland what a nice post .... that's exactly what the spirit of Christmas is, especially during these very troubling times.... you always do such a nice job.... your clients will be touched when they read your one liner.... very powerful AND memorable!!!  

Dec 07, 2020 02:00 PM
Chris Ann Cleland

Doesn't take much to let someone know you are thinking of them.

Dec 07, 2020 03:01 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Hi Chris Ann Cleland love that you're in the Christmas Spirit! I think it's even more important this year to write happy notes to clients and friends.  We all need more love and kindness!

Dec 07, 2020 04:03 PM
Chris Ann Cleland

I think so too.

Dec 08, 2020 07:50 AM
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Hi Chris Ann,  Although we have attempted recently to get out Christmas cards to all our friends, family, and clients.  It seems that each year the list is whittled down a little further.  This year, we decided to increase the number of cards we are sending out.  We will also be adding a personal note.  Thanks for sharing this great post.

Dec 07, 2020 04:10 PM
Chris Ann Cleland

A great year to increase the number of cards.

Dec 08, 2020 07:51 AM
Lottie Kendall
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

I think warmth and expressions of caring are greatly appreciated, especially this year. Nice job, Chris Ann

Dec 07, 2020 04:51 PM
Chris Ann Cleland

Well if an expression of warmth of caring is going to do me in with a potential repeat client, so be it.  

Dec 08, 2020 07:51 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Chris Ann- While some might not be in the spirit of the holidays, you, thank goodness, are feeling it, and sharing it via your cards!!! This is the kind of thing that lifts our spirits. 

Dec 07, 2020 07:18 PM
Chris Ann Cleland

Hopefully it will lift the spirits of others as well.

Dec 08, 2020 07:51 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

For many years, I sent out calendars this time of year!  I found the type that were a holiday card that opened up to be a calendar.

Dec 08, 2020 02:13 AM
Chris Ann Cleland

My mom used to get those from another agent and kept them on her fridge even though I was licensed.  They work.

Dec 08, 2020 07:52 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Good morning, Chris Ann... I've sent out personal Christmas Cards to my best clients for more years than I can count. Of course, that's on top of the cards I send out to friends and family.We easily send out over 200 cards each Christmas. 

Dec 08, 2020 04:09 AM
Chris Ann Cleland

I think I'll be at 225 cards this year for business.  Not sure I'll get around to personal cards.

Dec 08, 2020 07:52 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Chris Ann Cleland - I really enjoyed reading your blog post. I'm glad you found inspiration with each personal note to clients, family, and friends. I kept up this tradition since I was a kid and never stopped sending cards to my immediate family, good friends, and clients too. As the years go by, they always mention back to me, how much they appreciated my personal notes and/or messages to them. I hope you keep that spirit of Christmas alive! It suits your personality.  

Dec 08, 2020 04:15 AM
Chris Ann Cleland

It does mean something to know someone is thinking of you.


 

Dec 08, 2020 07:53 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I have never been worried about putting something personal in a note to a past client but it does make me a bit sad when I get crickets back, haha.

Dec 08, 2020 05:04 AM
Chris Ann Cleland

I am expecting nothing in return, which is how true giving should be.

Dec 08, 2020 07:53 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

The recipients of your cards will be extra warm this year. In their hearts.

Dec 08, 2020 05:23 AM
Chris Ann Cleland

I hope so.  If they are offended, they are not the clients for me.

Dec 08, 2020 07:55 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally

If the photo is indicative, I too send out Holiday greetings with a magnet calendar.  Past clients and potentials are all recipients and some really do remember you for them

Dec 08, 2020 06:26 AM
Chris Ann Cleland

This is just a really nice card.  Not a calendar.

Dec 08, 2020 07:55 AM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Hi Chris Ann Cleland - I think this year has taught us to be grateful for those in our lives and to show it.

Dec 26, 2020 06:22 AM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Chris Ann Cleland  To say it has been emotional is so true - what a year -glad 

Carol Williams featured this as I missed it 

Dec 26, 2020 10:32 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Chris Ann:

What a warm and caring gesture that will no doubt be appreciated by everyone.

Jeff

Dec 26, 2020 01:06 PM
Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®
RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI
Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

Great job on the feature this week...well deserved!

Dec 27, 2020 07:02 AM