Occasionally Thoughtful - The official blog of GreetingCardUniverse.com

Looking Forward to the New Year

Mindy on December 30, 2011

Stay yet, my friends, a moment stay –
Stay till the good old year,
So long companion of our way,
Shakes hands, and leaves us here.
Oh stay, oh stay,
One little hour, and then away.
—A Song for New Year’s Eve, William Cullen Bryant

The Greeting Card Universe family wants to thank all our customers and partners, as well as our highly valued artist community, for their help in achieving our goals, and their contributions to our successes in 2011. We look forward to serving you and working with you, and achieving even greater success, in 2012.

Wishing you a safe and happy New Year!

What Are People Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“Got my card just a few days after ordering. I really like being able to personalize it. I am extremely happy with the job they did on the card and the very reasonable price of it. I will definitely order more in the future.” — Beverly, Witchita, Kansas, December 29, 2011

Happy Holidays!

Mindy on December 22, 2011

The Greeting Card Universe family
would like to wish
all of our customers, partners,
and our artist community,
a wonderful, magical holiday season
celebrating with friends and family,
and a happy New Year!

“Bah, humbug!”

Mindy on December 16, 2011

Charles Dickens’ classic novel, A Christmas Carol, contains one of literature’s most recognized characters, a man whose name is synonymous with miserly curmudgeons everywhere: Ebenezer Scrooge. His catchphrase, “Bah, humbug!” used to declare Christmas a fraud in the novel, has lent itself to a very modern invented holiday… Humbug Day.

Invented by Wellcat.com, Humbug Day “Allows everyone preparing for Christmas to vent their frustrations.”

For many people, Christmas is a very stressful time of year. Buying presents (and not forgetting the wrapping paper, ribbons, bows and tape), making presents, preparing for holiday parties and dinners, family gatherings, special events, more work piled on top of more work, last minute shopping… it’s no wonder folks feel the need to let of a little steam!

Greeting Card Universe can take one worry off your shoulders – we offer fast, easy Internet ordering of all your holiday cards including Christmas photo cards, Hanukkah, Kwaanza, and lots more. And don’t forget Chinese New Year – our selection of unique, custom cards will carry your wishes for peace, prosperity, and good health to all your family and friends!

What Are People Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“I have difficulty finding nice Chanukah cards and other Jewish themed holiday cards even in card stores, and Greeting Card Universe always has a beautiful assortment.” Mona, December 14, 2011

The “Real” Rudolph

Mindy on December 9, 2011

We see it every year around the holiday season – someone forwards an email or makes a post on Facebook about how “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” was created by a father hoping to comfort his daughter while his wife was dying of cancer. It’s a beautiful, sad story… but unfortunately, it’s just a story, albeit it with grains of truth. Rudolph may be an extraordinary reindeer, but he’s got a somewhat more ordinary origin.

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,
Had a very shiny nose,
And if you ever saw it,
You would even say it glows.”
—Johnny Marks

In 1939, one of the Montgomery Ward Company’s copywriters, Robert May, was assigned to create a Christmas character for a booklet to be given away to customers in a promotion. May had a knack for children’s stories, and eventually came up with a version of the familiar tale of Rudolph, a reindeer ostracized because of his glowing red nose.

For the whole story on the true origin of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, and to learn what happened to Robert May, check out this page on Snopes.com.

Reindeer are a popular part of the holiday season, drawing Santa’s sleigh as he delivers toys to all the good boys and girls of the world. At Greeting Card Universe, we have lots of fun, custom holiday cards featuring reindeer that will bring lots of color, light, and good humor to your friends and family!

What Are People Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“I purchased three cards for someone who just received their PhD…impossible to find anywhere else. There was a large assortment to choose from and I was extremely pleased at the quality when they arrived.” – Evelyn, December 7, 2011

Benefits of Sending Patriotic Christmas Cards this Year

Mindy on December 2, 2011

There are scores of benefits to sending a traditional Christmas card or other holiday photo card each and every year. But, what about sending a patriotic Christmas card this yuletide season? Would it have a significant impact on those that receive it? It most certainly would since there are a quite a few people who would appreciate receiving such a heartfelt card that promotes a sense of love of country.

The most obvious benefit is that you would be sending a custom greeting card. Uniqueness does show you are thinking about the person whom you are sending the card to. If you were to send a card that was guilty of being too similar to all the other cards mailed out during the holiday season, your card just might come off as little more than an afterthought. Rather than send a card that is dull and the same old, same old, sending a patriotic Christmas card would be the much better option.

Another benefit to sending cards of this nature would be the fact you would be contributing to promoting an overall sense of patriotism through sending such a card. On the surface, this may sound like an overstatement. How could something as simple as mailing a Christmas card with a patriotic theme have such an impact? The answer is that minor touches like this can set a sentiment in motion. Any promotion of anything patriotic will have a solid impact on how the sentiment expands. Sending something as seemingly minor as a patriotic Christmas card ceases to appear so minor when you look at it through this lens.

Similarly, sending such a patriotic card can create an overall sense of positivity. Patriotism can be considered a very positive attitude and belief to present when it is rooted in the goodness of a country. When such a wholesome attitude is combined with the overall positive nature of the Christmas holiday, a card of this nature can aid in delivering an upbeat sentiment that will not be lost on others. In many ways, this can contribute to a sense of community that is sometimes overlooked.

For that matter, a lot of the benefit associated with sending patriotic Christmas cards might end up being overlooked. You will not make such an omission this year since you now know a few of the innovative benefits sending such cards presents.

Yes, there are quite a few more than you would ever have initially thought.

Giving Thanks to You!

Mindy on November 21, 2011

The fourth Thursday in November marks the annual celebration of Thanksgiving in the United States, a family oriented holiday saturated in Thanksgiving myths and Thanksgiving history.

The year has turned its circle,
The seasons come and go.
The harvest all is gathered in
And chilly north winds blow.
Orchards have shared their treasures,
The fields, their yellow grain,
So open wide the doorway –
Thanksgiving comes again!
—–Anonymous

Greeting Card Universe wishes all our artists and customers happiness and good times as they make heart warming memories celebrating Thanksgiving with family and friends!

What Are People Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“This is the easiest and quickest way to send a card. Sign up, pick a card, write what you want and they send it. What could be easier. Once you put in an address it stores it for future use. Best little website!!!” – Fred, Rancho Mirage, California – November 17, 2011

Time to Kick the Habit

Mindy on November 11, 2011

November 17, 2011 marks the beginning of the Great American Smokeout, an event sponsored by the American Cancer Society, and held annually on the third Thursday in November.

Smokers are encouraged to kick the habit – either by quitting or making a plan to quit smoking. More than 46 million Americans continue to smoke despite the fact that giving up the tobacco habit brings real health benefits, such as lower blood pressure, reduced risk of coronary heart disease, cancer and diabetes, just to name a few.

Smoking is an addiction that can be hard to beat. If you know someone who’s quitting, giving them encouragement and support will help them stay on course to meet their goal. Greeting Card Universe offers encouragement cards as well as congratulations cards for your friends and family who are taking the big step towards quitting smoking.

Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

Mindy on October 28, 2011

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.

In the United States, although about 63% of households have a pet (American Veterinary Medical Association), each year between 5-7 million dogs and cats enter animal shelters nationwide. Sadly, more than 2/3 of these former pets are euthanized according to the ASPCA.

Adopting a dog from a shelter saves a life. Even if you’re thinking of buying a purebred from a breeder, check your local shelters first – about 25% of shelter dogs are purebred. You may even find a breed rescue center in your area. Not only will you be doing a good deed, you’ll have a loving companion for life.

Whether you’re announcing the new family member in your household, or congratulating a friend for adopting a cat or dog from a shelter, Greeting Card Universe has colorful, one of a kind ways to express yourself in a greeting card.

What Are People Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“I was looking for a German language Christmas card and I came upon ”Greeting Card Universe”.They have sooooo many cards to choose from and the cards are beautiful & well written.Shipping fees are great and shipping time is fabulous:8 days to Canada.I highly recommend ”Greeting Card Universe.” — Diane, October 26, 2011

Happy Howl-o-Ween!

Mindy on October 21, 2011

HALLOWEEN CAN BE A TREAT FOR PETS, TOO

When it comes to Halloween (October 31), the focus is on jack o’ lanterns, costumes, decorations, and other spooky and scary stuff. But while you’re passing out the candy to the trick-or-treaters, don’t forget to take some safety precautions for your pets if you don’t want Fluffy or Fido to have an unhappy Howl-o-ween (or Meow-o-Ween)!

Here are the top five ways to help keep your cat or dog safe on Halloween:

Under no circumstances allow your pet to eat chocolate, or they may suffer theobromine poisoning, which can be fatal. In addition, any candy with artificial sweetener (Xylitol) can also cause Xylitol toxicity.
Halloween decorations that move, blink, or otherwise animate may look cool, but the electric wires and cords can give your pet a shock if chewed on, so keep them out of reach.
Jack o’ lanterns are a big part of the Halloween festivities – over 46% of Americans carve a pumpkin for the holiday. Be aware that a lit candle inside may be traditional, but cause a fire hazard if a pet knocks it over, or gets burned with the flame. An LED light is probably a better choice.
It’s probably better to keep dogs and cats in another room when you’re opening the door for trick-or-treaters. You don’t want them roaming the streets after dark.
Pets and costumes don’t always mix. Don’t make your pet wear one if it will make them uncomfortable.

More tips on Halloween Safety for Pets can be found at the ASPCA.

Greeting Card Universe has many unique, custom Halloween greeting cards including party invitations and photo cards to share with your friends that will make your holiday creepy, crawly, and downright fang-tastic!

What Are People Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“The cards are great! We live in a small town with no card store. I was so pleased to find this site. The selection of cards is wonderful, better than any store. Shipment was very quick and great prices. I am very happy with all the cards I ordered. I was very surprised to find cancer survivor cards.” — Gail – October 19, 2011

Boss’s Day: Top Five Gifts

Mindy on October 14, 2011

A holiday meant for employees to show appreciation to their supervisors, managers and bosses, National Boss’s Day takes place each year on October 16th, and is considered as much a part of workplace morale as National Administrative Professional’s Day.

“A good manager is a man who isn’t worried about his own career, but rather the careers of those who work for him.”
—H.S.M. Burns

Giving a greeting card and a gift shows how much you appreciate the person who leads your office. Of course, consult your Human Resources Department if you’re not sure about your company’s rules on gift giving. Don’t know office gift giving etiquette in general? Here’s a good place to start.

And here are the top five gifts suggestions for your boss on Boss’s Day:

Stress Ball – These come in many colors and shapes including sports based like football, golf, basketball, baseball, etc.
Desk Plant – Even the least green-thumbed boss will enjoy the soothing power of plants. Instead of cut flowers, give a pot of colorful succulents (“fat plants”) that require minimal care.
Edible Gift Basket – For a boss who appreciates food, wine, coffee, chocolate, etc., this is a good choice that can be tailored to fit any budget. A craft minded employee might decorate and fill a basket with homemade treats.
Gift Certificate – What’s your boss’s hobby? His/her passion outside of work? A gift certificate to their favorite spot or a favorite activity always hits the spot.
“Of the Month” Club – Instead of another executive toy, sign your boss up for an “Of the Month Club” you know they’ll enjoy. Choices range from beer, cigars, wine, cheese, desserts… you name it!

Whether you want to say a sincere “thanks” or let your humor shine, Greeting Card Universe offers many unique custom greeting cards for Boss’s Day.

What Are People Saying About Greeting Card Universe?
“I love this site. I don’t have to go to the store and look around. I have had so many compliments on the cards I send. Quick and Easy. Thank you” JJ Coleman – October 12, 2011