New Year’s Resolutions

Corrie on December 30, 2012


Around the world and throughout history, many civilizations have observed celebrations for the New Year. The oldest recorded festivities were held in Babylon 4,000 years ago. Today, countries around the globe mark the end of the old year and the beginning of the new on December 31, New Year’s Eve.

In America, it’s customary to watch fireworks, attend parties, count down the minutes to the New Year with friends and family, watch the ball drop in Times Square, sing “Auld Lang Syne,” and make resolutions, of course. The  most popular resolutions have to do with self improvement like losing weight or quitting smoking.

When did this particular custom begin? Once again, it’s the ancient Babylonians we can thank for this annual tradition. To start the new year right, they made promises to the gods to do things like return borrowed tools and pay their debts. Sound familiar?  Romans continued the idea, and the tradition has remained part of New Year celebrations down to the 21st century.

If a friend or loved one has made a New Year’s resolution – whether to get organized, eat less, or take on the serious challenge of battling an addiction – make sure to offer your help. Let them know they’re not alone. Our collections of Addiction Recovery cards and Recovery Encouragement cards will send your warmest, most heartfelt messages of support where they’re needed most.

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“Couldn’t have been easier and so many options. The card arrived on time and with our personalized message exactly as we requested. Our daughter loved it. Where else could you get a dear daughter zombie Christmas card. She posted it on Facebook and all of her friends loved it!” – Marianne – Dec 26, 2012

Last Minute Holiday Cards for That Favorite Teacher

Corrie on December 21, 2012


The holiday season just wouldn’t be the same  without some last minute scrambling.  Despite my best planning and intentions, there was someone overlooked, a special teacher.  I thought our standard family Christmas card would suffice but my daughter felt otherwise.

“But mom, she’s my FAVORITE teacher!” she insisted.

Okay, okay, I get it but with this being the last week of school, this needed to happen today and only today.  Gads!

So last night I ordered the card online from home (personalized with the teacher’s name).  On my way to work, I swung by the Target store near my office (beating the afternoon crowds was a relief), picked out a festive mug and chocolate treats before heading over to the photo department.  Voila, there was my card and envelope – printed to perfection!

Here's the card, a real holiday winner!

As I headed to checkout I felt quite smug as I passed a small crowd of last minute shoppers pulling cards from the card display with distressed looks on their faces, trying to find that “perfect card”.  and I thought … if they only knew.  Gosh, I wish they knew!

Happy holidays and thank you to all of those special teachers who go the extra mile to make their students feel important, capable and proud to be smart – that means you Ms. Muse.  For you, the extra effort was my pleasure!

My daughter's happy ... and so am I!

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“This is the second time I’ve ordered from Greeting Card Universe, and have been very satisfied with both orders. Beautiful cards, with well-written, meaningful sentiments. And especially important for me, the ability to order them online and have them mailed to me. They arrived in sturdy cardboard-type envelopes. So convenient!” – Patricia, December 19, 2012

Last Minute? Don’t Panic!

Corrie on December 15, 2012


Everyone has good intentions when it comes to the holidays. We make our lists, check them twice, organize and prioritize, and sure enough, despite our care, we sometimes forget to buy Christmas cards the special people in our lives. A coach, teacher, hairdresser, personal trainer, nail technician, babysitter, pet groomer, house cleaner … even the postman deserves some seasonal cheer.

Or perhaps your hectic holiday plans have left you frazzled and you haven’t had time to fight the crowds at the stores to pick through the limited selection of Christmas cards left on the shelves?

Need customizable Christmas cards in a hurry, even personalized Photo Cards? Last minute holiday party invitations?  No problem. We’ve got you covered with real paper greeting cards in many unique designs.

Our partnership with Target means you can order cards on-line, customize with your own message, and pick up your order – usually in 1 hour or less – at most Target stores nationwide.

Now you can relax a little. Catch your breath. Have a cup of hot cocoa and don’t forget the extra marshmallows.  Celebrate the successful conclusion of another holiday season … and we’ll see you next year.

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What Are People Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“I ordered several of these cards because I could personalize the front for each recipient. I’m delighted to send them and I’m sure the recipients will be delighted to receive a personalized card.” – Diane, December 14, 2012

Why the Poinsettia at Christmas?

Corrie on December 8, 2012


December 12 marks National Poinsettia Day, an observance dedicated to the flower that has become a popular symbol of the holiday season. Close to $200 million is spent on decorative poinsettias every year. But why do we associate the bright red (or white variety) poinsettia with Christmas?

During a trip to Mexico in 1828, American botanist and U.S. Ambassador, Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett, came across the wild plant with its beautiful, red, star shaped leaves  (Euphorbia Pulcherrima). In Mexico, poinsettias are known as Flores de Noche Buena (flowers of the holy night) for their association with the Star of Bethlehem. Poinsett sent cuttings home to South Carolina, where the greenhouse grown plants were seen as a curiosity.

Decades later, a German immigrant living in California, Albert Ecke, began selling poinsettias from flower stands during the holidays. His grandson, Paul, continued to work on producing more hybrids and promoting the poinsettia as the must have houseplant for Christmas. Today, poinsettias are grown and enjoyed across the world.

Greeting Card Universe’s  poinsettia themed Christmas cards bring color and holiday cheer to make your winter season brighter, or help you celebrate a December birthday.


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“I can always depend on Greeting Card Universe to have that perfect card for me for any occasion. Ordering is very easy and the fast delivery is great. I don’t shop any other place now! Great cards!” – Joan, December 6, 2012

National Cookie Day

Corrie on December 1, 2012

Sift the flour, mix the butter,
Roll the dough for the cookie cutter.
A white sugar star, a red Christmas bell,
A brown teddy bear with a gingery smell.
Christmas cookies taste so sweet –
They’re fun to make and good to eat!
—–Anonymous

December 4 marks the observance of National Cookie Day! There’s no better month to celebrate these delicious treats that have been making holidays bright for centuries. Baking and exchanging Christmas cookies is as much a tradition in some households as putting up and decorating a tree.

Gingerbread cookies in particular evoke the seasonal spirit. While the earliest forms of gingerbread can be traced to ancient Egypt (this would be more of a cake), Queen Elizabeth I of England is credited with the invention of the gingerbread man when she presented foreign dignitaries with ginger spiced cookies shaped to look like them. Today, gingerbread houses and gingerbread men share the Christmas spotlight with Santa and his reindeer.

Greeting Card Universe offers unique cookie-themed Christmas cards as well as cookie swap party invitations to help you create the holiday spirit when you’re baking your favorite cookie recipes, making homemade goodies and spreading the cheer to friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers. And don’t forget to leave cookies and milk out for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve!

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“I was so happy to find a website where I could purchase greeting cards in Japanese. I’m very happy with the Christmas card that I purchased. It’s exactly what I wanted. I’ll be back for more greeting cards. Thank you for a great selection too.” – Dolores, November 30, 2012