Sending postcards, who still does that?
I often get asked if the cards from Belle & Boo really sell, because aren't cards no longer sent? You'd be very surprised. A lot of cards are still designed in various themes and subjects, and there's a good reason for that. If cards were no longer sold and sent, there wouldn't be so much choice! There's a card for almost every occasion. The enormous collection of Belle & Boo postcards is so extensive that you're sure to find a suitable postcard in the collection. Large numbers of postcards leave Ollebol & Muis every week. One of the themes in the Belle & Boo card line is the winter and Christmas cards. Beautifully illustrated cards in a lovely winter theme. You can find the very latest winter designs here.
Where does the tradition of sending (Christmas) cards come from?
The first "real" Christmas card was sent by Sir Henry Cole, a dedicated civil servant and scholar in the United Kingdom. Sir Cole had implemented a reform to reduce the cost of postage to a small amount (the "penny post") to encourage all British citizens of all ranks to use the postal system. Cole had many acquaintances and received many letters with best wishes for Christmas and the New Year. These increased every year, and in 1843, the first commercial Christmas cards were sent.
The origin of sending cards at Christmas is to wish your family and friends happy holidays and a happy New Year. Many people also choose to send Christmas cards to colleagues, hobby associations, schools, or direct neighbors in the street. There are also various postcrossing communities active in the Netherlands and worldwide.
Do we still send many cards in the Netherlands?
You'd be surprised how many people still send cards. Throughout the year, many postcards are still sent. When someone is ill, a short greeting, to someone you haven't seen or spoken to in a long time, and of course, don't forget the card from your holiday address. Every year from the beginning of November, Christmas cards are back in stores, and many people wonder whether they should still send a card. It's a lot of work because you don't want to send the same wish on every card, or you want to put a personal message on it. That requires motivation and creativity, but if you consider how much the recipient will appreciate it, it's definitely worth the time!
When do you send your Christmas card?
The busy times for postal delivery already begin at the end of November. It is therefore very wise to send your Christmas card on time. The first Christmas cards often arrive at your doorstep from the moment Sinterklaas has left the country, which is December 6th. Because you naturally want your card to reach the recipient on time, it is advisable to have your cards ready and sent after Sinterklaas.
A little attention and positivity
By sending your Christmas card, you're not just physically sending a card; the idea behind sending a card is that you thought of that person, and that alone is a huge gesture. After Sinterklaas has left the country, most people start decorating their homes with Christmas decorations, candles, and lights. In times of loneliness (also among young people), the all-pervading social media, and the fast-paced 24-hour culture, it's wonderful to receive a beautiful Christmas card during the dark weeks before Christmas. The cards are hung up or collected together on a corner of a shelf. You truly bring the Christmas spirit to the recipient.
Reconnect with old acquaintances
What could be easier than sending a Christmas card to someone you've lost touch with? With a personal message, you can rekindle that friendship or family bond. Make an appointment on the card so that you can meet up somewhere in the new year, after all the holidays, and catch up!
Small paintings
If you're not in the mood to send Christmas cards, or any cards at all, you should still take a look at the card collection from Belle & Boo. It will pleasantly surprise you. The nostalgic prints with a vintage look might not be for you this Christmas, but what about the other prints? You can send these small paintings to another enthusiast, or you can frame them or put them on a card rack in your baby or children's room. Do you have a themed corner in your room, such as a seasonal table? Then place a simple Belle & Boo card in the corner to complete it.
B2B cards available
Since July of this year, Ollebol & Muis, in addition to being a point of sale for Belle & Boo postcards, has also been a distributor of a large part of this card collection. Do you have a (brick-and-mortar) store and would you like to add this unique card collection to your assortment? Then email me at info@ollebolenmuis.nl for the possibilities. I would love to get in touch with you!
Love, Céline
