BRITISH ETIQUETTE: CHRISTMAS CARDS

Christmas cards should always be handwritten in ink. It is customary for the husband's name to be given before his wife's, but this is a matter of personal choice.

The wife's forename is, however, retained. Therefore, a card should be inscribed from 'John and Mary Smith', rather than from 'Mr and Mrs John Smith'.

If Christmas cards are pre-printed, then the surname should be crossed through for recipients on first-name terms with the senders.

It is permissible to include a short personal letter when the card is to friends or relatives who are rarely seen. However, a general round-robin newsletter, or photographs of the family and pets, are not considered acceptable inclusions.

It is often wise to take care when sending cards to those of other faiths: to this end 'season's greetings' can be a more appropriate a greeting.

Christmas cards are a traditional expression of seasonal goodwill and the sending of cards should be in this spirit, rather than as a means of self-promotion.

Christmas cards are traditionally sent in envelopes with diagonal flaps. Always use stamps on Christmas cards (preferably with a seasonal theme) - putting your personal cards through the office franking machine looks careless.

Written by Victoria Overton

Native English Spain is dedicated to make learning English simple, fun and affordable for Spanish people.