I've decided to be ambitious this year and make my holiday cards, which means that I won't be able to rely on a pre-printed greeting and just sign my name. I could go with the generic "Happy Holidays," but if I'm taking the time to make the cards to begin with, I want to have a nice sentiment.

 

In our November issue we gave five non-denominational alternatives to "Happy Holidays"

Wishing you joy

Oh, what fun!

'Tis the season

Let it snow!

For auld lang syne, my dear (read the history of that phrase here)

But I was thinking about doing a quote in my cards. Especially since it's one of my jobs at Real Simple to research quote options for the Thoughts page at the front of each issue and for the spine of every issue. I looked back through my notes and here are some that I love:

The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event.
    —J.B. Priestly

Oh Christmas tree, O Christmas tree
How faithful are thy branches!
    —August Zarnack

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.
    —Charles Dickens

Announced by all the trumpets of the sky,
Arrives the snow.
    —Ralph Waldo Emerson

At Christmas play and make good cheer,
For Christmas comes but once a year.
    —Thomas Tusser

There are those who give joy, and that joy is their reward.
    —Kahlil Gibran

Joy is prayer—Joy is strength—Joy is love—Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.
    —Mother Teresa

Ring happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go.
    —Alfred, Lord Tennyson

We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup.
    —Buddy the Elf 

That last one would be cute on a card with candy canes on it, or if you did a family photo dressed as elves (yes, I know that would be just a tad over the top!).

Do you use blank holiday cards? If so, what will you be writing in them this year?