Texts are quick, but they disappear. Social media posts reach everyone at once, and they are scrolled past. So why do so many Australians still send Christmas cards?

A card is different. Someone chose it, wrote in it, addressed it and posted it. That effort is the message. A card is a keepsake, a memory to cherish.

A card gets kept

A text disappears into a phone. A card goes on the mantelpiece, the fridge or a string across the lounge room. It stays there all season. Some people keep their favourites for years.

It reaches people who matter

For many older Australians, a Christmas card is a highlight of December. For someone living alone, it can mean a great deal. It's a simple way to let a neighbour, a former colleague or an elderly relative know they haven't been forgotten.

A charity card does twice the good

When the card supports a charity, the thoughtfulness goes further. The person receiving it feels remembered, and a cause doing important work in the community gets support too.

Tips for writing your cards

·       Start early. Writing a few cards each evening is far easier than doing them all in one night.

·       Keep a list. Note who you sent to and who sent to you. It makes next year easier.

·       Add one personal line. A sentence about something you shared this year means more than a signature alone.

·       Write the address clearly, and include a return address on the back.

Post on time

Australia Post publishes its Christmas posting dates each year. Check them before you start, especially for cards going interstate or overseas.

Order your cards now

The best designs sell out as December gets closer. Order your boxed charity cards early, and you'll have time to write them without the rush.

Browse our charity cards at My Ornaments.