American Greetings Holiday Survival Guide
Official Calendar
No one said it would be easy, but with this handy calendar, and a little of your own planning, you can get all of your holiday
chores done early (yes, we said early) so you can actually enjoy your family and friends (yes, we said enjoy them).
Now
• Review this handy calendar to coordinate all of your holiday planning activities
• Feel free to make any slight adjustments to fit your schedule and needs
• Breathe a sigh of relief with the realization that you will finally have the holiday season of your dreams
Week of November 3: P lanning
Sit down and create the following lists:
• Gift recipients list (with a basic idea of what you would like to get for each, and general cost for each)
• Card recipients list (make sure to double check who you received a card from last year to include them)
• Gift-wrap and accessories list (what will you need to get you through the season?)
• A master holiday calendar (including vacation days, travel schedules, parties you have been invited to, etc.)
• Your budget (take into account your holiday meals you are in charge of as well as any parties you need to plan
for and create an over-arching budget. Leave a little room, if you can, so you aren’t too pressed)
• Tip: Set small achievable goals for yourself along the way so that you are constantly rewarding yourself
for all of your hard work
Week of November 10: Begin to assemble your needs
• Set out to get all of your wrap, cards and accessories (also stop at the post office to load up on stamps)
• Start filling out cards at your leisure (at lunch, while watching television, etc)
• Begin shopping for those hard to buy for recipients on your list and/or anyone who you will have to ship the present to
• Tip: If you can, use a vacation day this week when the malls won’t be as crowded, and you can get through quickly
Week of November 17: Start checking names off your list
• Start to shop for everyone else on your list. Go out with a few names in mind so you can stick to a plan,
save time and money.
• Continue filling out your holiday cards and sending them out
• Start wrapping gifts as you get them, as to not overburden yourself closer to the official holiday season.
• Tip: With Thanksgiving a week away, be sure to take some time to plan for that. Make this week more flexible
so that you aren’t overwhelmed by both holidays
Week of November 24: Give thanks that you got such an early start to the season
• If you absolutely must, enjoy Black Friday.
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Week of December 1: The stretch drive begins!
• Devote this week to additional wrapping and holiday card sending. You will want to get anything that needs
mailed out early to avoid heavy traffic…
• In fact, be sure to purchase any gifts that will need to be mailed by the end of this week
• Begin decorating for the holidays. Enlist the help of the kids or friends, and above all else, enjoy yourself!
• Tip: Take an inventory of where you are at: How have you done with your goals?
What are you behind on? What needs to be done now?
Week of December 8: Get to shipping
• Finalize your cards and presents you will be shipping out. Have everything in-house and make sure they are
wrapped, filled-out and ready to go.
• Are you going to be the host or hostess this season? If you are having the family over for dinner, make a detailed
menu along with a shopping list. Having a few overnight guests? Inventory your home to make sure they will have
everything they need including, extra blankets, pillows, towels, toiletries, etc.
• Tip: Try to wrap up all of your gift shopping this week so that you can devote extra time to wrapping up all of that
gift wrapping next week
Week of December 15: A week of deadlines (don’t worry, you have most of them done already)
• Make sure to send all cards and presents being mailed out no later than Monday, December 15
• Head to the grocery store for anything you’ll need to entertain, and make a stop at any convenient retailer to get
any items you will need for house guests
• Have all gifts purchased and set a schedule to get the wrapping done∑
• Complete any cards you plan to hand out at parties, work, etc.
• Tip: Do any major cleaning on your house that needs to be done before the holidays so that only minor
touch-ups will be required during crunch time
Week of December 22: Christmas Week! Hanukkah Begins!
• Its finally here, and you should be sitting pretty.
• Double check:
• Are all gifts wrapped and coordinated by where they need to be delivered?
• Are all of your cards out and/or ready to be handed out if attending post-Christmas get togethers?
• Are you preparing a dinner? Do you have all of the ingredients you need?
• Will you be entertaining house guests over the holidays? Do you have everything you need to ensure their
convenient stay?
• Cross off any of these last minute needs with a few trips to the store, or even by recruiting a little bit of help
• Have the family pitch in to maintain your tidy home in lieu of the barrage of guests. Assigning specific rooms to
family members and doing a nightly “sweep” of the house will keep things in tip-top shape and stress-free
• Tip: Did you ever think you could say this during the holidays: Take some time to relax. You have gotten it all done
and can now truly enjoy. Nice job!
Consumer Public Relations Department
One American Road • Cleveland, Ohio • 44144
http://pressroom.americangreetings.com • 216.252.4938
© 2008 AGC, LLC
American Greetings Holiday Survival Guide
Creative Gift P resentation Tips
Whether you have time on your side this holiday season or you’re time-starved, the gift wrap experts at American
Greetings have a few ideas for prettying up your packages. Start by thinking beyond the box (literally) this Christmas.
Early-bird Ideas – When you have the time to wrap packages with a special touch, use it to dress up your gifts to
ensure that they express the thoughtfulness that went into choosing them. Here are some ways to add warmth,
texture and color to gifts with extra special meaning:
• Christmas coziness: Ribbon and bows are redefined when you turn trendy scarves and mittens into package
decorations. New or gently used scarves can act like “ribbon” while mittens and gloves continue the cozy theme
as “bows.” The little extras not only make packages special; when combined with recyclable gift wrap from
American Greetings, your gift is earth-friendly as well.
• Using gifts as gift wrap: How can you turn a kitchen or entertaining standard like a set of wine glasses or a
small appliance into the most intriguing gift under the tree? Wrap it up in a festive tablecloth (affixed with fabric
tape) and accessorize with a set of napkins on top. Handmade napkin rings can be easily created from craft
materials around your home.∑
Last-Minute Wrapping Tips – Even when the holidays are fast approaching, there are plenty of last-minute gift
wrap solutions that will make it look like your shopping was done with plenty of time to spare.
• Grab a bag, for goodness sake: Gift bags are an easy option for adding style to any present thanks to the finishings
and details that make them much more than just a glorified shopping bag. American Greetings gift bags come
in every size, shape and color to perfectly fit any gift. Look for extra special touches, like fabric attachments and
3D features, for extra special gifts and recipients, and don’t forget the tissue.
• Fabric and fuzzy fun: f you prefer a less crafty option, an easy way to make your presents look and feel special
is to incorporate fabric or textured ribbon. While shopping for wrap this season, stop by the fabric department
and pick up a spool of complimentary ribbon. You can also find fun, fuzzy, pipe cleaner-style ribbon, which is
easy to work into bows and other creations thanks to its wire core, in the gift wrap aisle.
• When all else fails, reach for plastic: Whether a gift card was carefully selected to reflect the recipient’s favorite
store or activity or it was simply the easiest, last-minute option, American Greetings gift card holders couple these
popular plastic gifts with more than just “To” and “From” by adding style and a personal message.
Consumer Public Relations Department
One American Road • Cleveland, Ohio • 44144
http://pressroom.americangreetings.com • 216.252.4938
© 2008 AGC, LLC
American Greetings Holiday Survival Guide
Conquering “The Impossible” On Your Shopping List
After surviving “Black Friday” crowds and navigating the intense shopping season that follows, there’s often a person left
on your list that you struggle to find the perfect present for. When you ask them what they would like, they respond with,
“You don’t have to get me anything,” or “There’s nothing that I need,” and you’re back to the drawing board, frustrated.
Whether you’re shopping for a sibling who has it all or a mother-in-law who maintains a minimalist lifestyle, this year
you can offer them a thoughtful, personalized present with the following tips from Shelley Lulow, etiquette and gifting
expert at American Greetings.
Become the “Nancy Drew” of gifting
• Be a super sleuth: Pay extra attention throughout the year to discover items they may need or want, as they become
tight-lipped during the holidays in fear they will appear rude in asking directly for something they would like.
• Write it down: Carrying a notepad designated for gift ideas year-round will make shopping for the holidays and
special occasions a cinch.
• Mirror their gifting behaviors: Inspiration can be found by taking a close look at the type of presents that the
person gives, as it often indicates the type of gift they would enjoy receiving. If Aunt Jane continually gives you a
sweater, she may be expressing that it’s important to her to stay warm during the winter. In return, she may
appreciate receiving a hat and gloves set or a coat.
Unusual gift ideas
• Offer an experience: Put yourself in the recipient’s shoes and think of what types of experiences they may find
relaxing, exciting or enriching. Educational gifts, such as cooking, crafting or dance classes, and relaxing activities
such as a spa treatment or fine dining experience are popular choices.
• Give them your time: Whether it’s offering a free night of babysitting or taking them out for dinner, the gift of your
time is always a memorable one.
• Let them select their own gift: Gift cards have grown in popularity to one of the most often exchanged presents
during the holiday season, as it allows the recipient to select their own gift at their convenience.
∑
Divine details
• Create a beautiful gift presentation: Modern styles of gift bags and wrapping paper offer a broad selection of
themes to choose from and selecting one that reflects the personal style of the recipient shows off your efforts. Also,
gorgeous gift-wrap embellished with beautiful ribbons or a fabric flower are easy ways to personalize a gift.
• Use creative alternatives to offer a fresh twist on your gift presentation: Use a scarf in place of ribbon or
old-fashioned mittens as a charming alternative to the typical bow. Embellishing a wrapped package with raffia
and a sprig of holly or pine greenery adds a special festive touch.
• Dress up your gift cards: New gift card stations from American Greetings pair gift cards from popular retailers
with innovative gift card holders such as wallets, tins, keepsake gift boxes and holiday greeting cards with integrated
die cuts all in one location.∑
• Finish it off with a note from the heart: The holidays offer the perfect opportunity to share heartfelt sentiments
with friends and family. Include a card that expresses your gratitude for having the recipient in your life or that
explains what it was about that gift that reminded you of them.
Consumer Public Relations Department
One American Road • Cleveland, Ohio • 44144
http://pressroom.americangreetings.com • 216.252.4938
© 2008 AGC, LLC
American Greetings Holiday Survival Guide
How to Get Everything Done on Time... and Under Budget
Exactly how hard has it become to get everything done in a reasonably economic and timely fashion around the
holiday season? Well, just last year numerous holiday concierge services advertised their capabilities to distressed
consumers looking for some relief. That’s right, the holiday season can now be outsourced!
But just because some have had to look elsewhere to lessen their holiday workload doesn’t mean that you can’t get
it all done on time, and without spending a small fortune. American Greetings holiday etiquette expert Shelley Lulow
has the following tips to ensure a timely and economical holiday season without sacrificing any of the fun and enjoyment.
How to get it all done on time
• Make a plan: Before you set out to cross off all of your holiday to-dos, sit down and map everything out with a
handy calendar to set deadlines for yourself.
• Start early and work on small goals: The earlier you get started the smoother the holiday season should be.
To keep yourself on track, set goals such as having all of your shopping done by a certain date.
• Just say no: Everyone loves the holidays and a big reason for that is all of the activity going on. You will undoubtedly
be invited to numerous gatherings and house parties to celebrate. If you simply cannot make a particular party,
just politely decline. Still feeling a little guilty? Send or drop off a small gift with your regrets.
• Take a day off to just shop: The popular vacation week between Christmas and New Years Eve is a great way
to unwind from the hectic holiday hustle, but it doesn’t help to alleviate any of the stress as you work to get
everything done. Take a day or two off before just to get some holiday chores done.
• Get some help: It may seem simple, but good help is hard to find. Enlist all of the help you can get and remember, tis
the season of giving, so feel free to offer a little support to family and friends who may have a lot on their plates as well.
How to stay under budget
• Set and stick to a budget: The best way to stay under budget is to set one and stick to it. Sounds easy, right?
It does, but it is often easier said than done. Rather than arbitrarily setting a number, really examine all you have
to do and set budgets for each area.
• Plan ahead: There is no easier way to overspend than to head to the mall with a blank canvas where a to-do
list should be. Know what you are going for and have a general idea of what you would like to get.
• Stick to your do-able list… and your convenient schedule: The benefit of making a list and setting a schedule
can be offset by unreasonable expectations. Give your self tasks that you can honestly complete in a time that
you can possibly do so.
• Try to only use cash or debit card: The credit card is a great tool for the holidays. It gives us a sense of security
and lessens the blow of the high costs of celebrating, entertaining and gifting. However, it also tends to make us
a little less conscious of what we might be spending. If you have made a budget based on what you have available,
you are more likely to not go over it. Try to leave the card in your wallet.
• Apply for rebates: In the busy time that is the holiday season rebates may seem like an insignificant annoyance,
but they can add up. When you come home with a gift offering a rebate, fill it out immediately and send it away.
Consumer Public Relations Department
One American Road • Cleveland, Ohio • 44144
http://pressroom.americangreetings.com • 216.252.4938
© 2008 AGC, LLC
American Greetings Holiday Survival Guide
How to Make Your Holiday Guests Feel Right At Home
While the holidays should offer time to reflect on the year’s successes and reconnect with family, oftentimes juggling
overextended calendars and out-of-town visitors can turn your yuletide glee into a holiday horror. To some, the ability
to pull off effortless entertaining comes naturally, but to the rest of us… Well, we need some help from the experts.
Whether you’re hosting one guest for the night or Aunt Jane and Uncle Larry are occupying the guest room for the
next two weeks, Shelley Lulow, etiquette expert at American Greetings, offers the following tips.
P re-visit homework
• Speak with your houseguest in advance: Determine transportation needs, length of stay, intended activities
and any dietary needs. Knowing your guest’s expectations ahead of time will help you to anticipate their
needs and expectations, as it is very different to host a guest visiting for leisure than for one who will want to pack
many activities into a short stay.
Just like home, only better
• Take a hint from the hotels: A welcome basket including often-forgotten toiletries such as soap, lotion, and a
miniature sewing kit shows that the guest is not only welcome, but wanted in your home.
• Creature comforts: Be sure to also have bedside lighting, an alarm clock, and a bottle of water available nightly.
• Luxurious elements: Guests also enjoy choosing between a few styles of pillows, as well as needing extra blankets
and towels to use during their stay.
Add a simple, personalized touch
• Love is in the details: You can perk up a guest bedroom with fresh flowers or a seasonal potted plant. Include
reading materials such as a book or magazine that you think your guests may enjoy.
• Write them a heartfelt note: Finish off the welcome basket with a personalized note or holiday greeting card to
express your excitement that the visitor will be staying with you during the holiday season.
Maintain a sense of order
• Consider creating a calendar: With the holidays creating such an array of social engagements, providing your
guest with access to your holiday calendar will help to keep them informed of events.
• Keep your routines: Also, be sure to review any routines that your guests may need to be aware of, such as the
time you need to get ready for work or children’s bedtimes.
• Be aware of transportation needs: Add any transportation requirements to your master holiday calendar. If your
guests to be on their own frequently during their stay, consider providing them with a spare key in order to come
and go as need be.
Consumer Public Relations Department
One American Road • Cleveland, Ohio • 44144
http://pressroom.americangreetings.com • 216.252.4938
© 2008 AGC, LLC
American Greetings Holiday Survival Guide
Host An Effortless Looking Holiday Soirée
We all know someone who can host any party, from an intimate sit-down dinner to an elaborate black tie affair without
so much as a hair out of place. But if holiday obligations already have you pulling your hair out, heeding the advice
of an expert can take your fete from frazzled to fabulous.
But with careful planning, resisting the pitfall of procrastination, and tips from American Greetings etiquette expert,
Shelley Lulow, you can create a party atmosphere that your guests will be talking about long afterwards and make
them want to return next year.
Getting the word out
• Send out invitation at least three weeks in advance: With so many holiday parties on the horizon, early notice
is an absolute must.
• What to include: Date, location, and both the starting and ending times, as well as the type of food that will
be served. Printing the entire menu is not necessary, but let guests know whether they will be having light
hors d’oeuvres or a sit-down meal so they can plan accordingly.
Craft the menu with functionality in mind
• Don’t get stuck in the kitchen: Plan the menu with foods that can be prepared in advance. Peruse cook books
for simple foods that are best served cold, or that only require being warmed in the oven so that you can use the
day of the party to attend to last minute details.
• Party time is not the time to try a new recipe: Prepare foods that you are comfortable making to prevent the
unnecessary stress of worrying about how a dish will turn out.
Design the party’s flow
• Arrange multiple living room groupings: Resist the temptation to fill the perimeter of a room with seating,
as smaller conversation areas lend themselves to socializing.
• Provide enough seating: There should be seating for half of your guests throughout the space.
• Standing guests typically mingle around the buffet and bar, so keep those areas clear of obstructions, but have
table space available for setting down drinks and plates.
• Visualize a party’s flow from guest arrival to exit: Uncover potential hiccups by asking yourself a series of
questions. Is there ample closet space for coats? Is the bar stocked with the proper amount of glassware
and ice? Can guests easily reach plates, napkins, and food? How will they dispose of trash?
• Do a final walk-through: Act as if you are a guest and walk through your party space to ensure that all of their
needs will be met and that the placements of furniture and food displays make the most sense.
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Set the mood
• Create a welcoming entrance: No guest wants to wonder upon arrival if they have the right location or date. Adding
festive outdoor lighting, luminaries, or other seasonal elements that show there is a special event taking place.
• Punch up your holiday decorations with lighting and music: Select upbeat holiday music, and utilize layers
of lighting such as floor lamps and candles to add a glow and element of sophistication.
Copilot for efficiency
• Discuss roles in advance: If you’re co-hosting the party with a friend or spouse, decide who will welcome guests
by greeting at the door and take guests’ coats. The second host could offer them a beverage and make any
necessary introductions to other guests.
• Accept gifts graciously: Any gifts should be quickly tucked away. After the party, be sure to follow up with a
thank-you note that mentions the gift specifically and expresses your gratitude.
• Give a proper introduction: Be sure to mention a little about each guest and any common interests they may
have. Resist the urge to only introduce guests by how you know them and their occupation. Also, filling in new
guests on recent topics of conversation keeps the party going smoothly.
• Make the rounds: Be sure to mingle between groups of guests and above all, have fun!
Consumer Public Relations Department
One American Road • Cleveland, Ohio • 44144
http://pressroom.americangreetings.com • 216.252.4938
© 2008 AGC, LLC
American Greetings Holiday Survival Guide
Stress Free Holiday Card Sending
Everyone loves receiving holiday cards, but many of us lag behind in enthusiasm for getting our own out. And
even the most loyal card sender is looking for ways to maximize their time at the holidays, so American Greetings
etiquette expert Shelley Lulow offers the following tips to make the tradition of sending holiday cards more enjoyable
for anyone.
Get an early start
• Plan ahead to ensure timely delivery: The post office recommends allowing between three and seven days for
cards and packages to arrive around the holidays due to the heavy volume. That means sending your cards out
early to arrive anywhere between December 10 and December 24 – Don’t wait!
• Shop early for the best selection: Black Friday (AKA the day after Thanksgiving) has moved from the starting
gate to the mid-way mark for many eager shoppers. Get a jump on the competition and take advantage of the
best selection.
Set small goals
• Divide up filling out cards and addressing envelopes: According to the Greeting Card Association, more than
half of all card buyers will send up to 25 cards, but nearly 15 percent will send more than 50 cards. Even for those
more ambitious card senders, writing out 10 cards a night for one week and then addressing all of the envelopes
the next week will make life much easier.
• Take advantage of downtime to complete cards: Keep three to five cards in your purse or work bag to fill out
while waiting to pick up the kids from practice or while on the train to work. If you typically eat at your desk, use
this time to also complete a few holiday cards each day. TV time and doctor’s office waits are also a good time
to finish up.
Be detail oriented
• Tailor card choices to recipients: While close family and friends might appreciate a photo of the kids sitting on
Santa’s lap or funny cards that express your sense of humor, more formal “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings”
messages are more appropriate for business associates. Individual cards, with their more personal sentiments,
are the best choice for parents, spouses, siblings, extended family and close friends.
• Always reciprocate cards you receive: Keep a few extra boxes of cards on-hand to respond to cards you
receive from folks not on your original list. Keep them out on the kitchen counter or in your desk at work with
labels, stamps, a pen and your address book handy so you can respond quickly and add the new recipients to
next year’s list.
Consumer Public Relations Department
One American Road • Cleveland, Ohio • 44144
http://pressroom.americangreetings.com • 216.252.4938
© 2008 AGC, LLC